The Best Way to Impress Top Management
October 9, 2019Stay in the know with exclusive industry news, click here and subscribe to our eNewsletter today!
Demonstrating your value and competence to your organization’s higher-ups isn’t about any one specific moment. Impress them by performing well consistently and showing passion for your mission.
Q: I don’t get many opportunities to meet with people who rank above me, so when I do, I want them to see me at my best. Recently, I was in a meeting with my organization’s top brass, and I was asked a question that I didn’t immediately have the answer to. I’m worried it painted me in a poor light. How can I handle this kind of situation better in the future?
A: Most of us have been in the situation you describe or one similar to it. You earned your shot to impress people who have the power to elevate your career, you prepared to the best of your ability, and you felt confident. But then you were blindsided by a question you weren’t ready for, and now you’re concerned about how that one response will affect your potential for promotion.
First: Don’t worry too much about this one incident. It’s unfortunate that it happened, but remember that no one is perfect or knows all the answers. You can use this as an opportunity to reflect on how you prepared for the meeting and what you said in it. Consider what you might do differently next time.
Fortunately, there’s a bigger picture here. Demonstrating competence (or incompetence) doesn’t hinge on one response to a question but instead depends on consistent performance. That includes successfully completing tasks assigned to you and being a good employee and team player.