VP? So What! We All Use The Same Toilet

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In Today’s Newsletter (4 min read):

• Clear-Eyed Perspective: How to confidently interact with senior leaders

• Clear-Eyed Journey: Alexander’s Journey: Evolving Values, Authenticity, Balancing Parenting & Work.

Clear-Eyed Perspective

How To Confidently Interact With Senior Leaders

When I worked in education, I’ll never forget my first board presentation to a group of highly successful people with big titles. I bought a new shirt and shoes to put my best foot forward—literally.

As I walked into the room, I greeted each board member with a formal “Mr.” or “Ms.” Last Name. I started my presentation by saying, “Good afternoon, esteemed board members.” (Words I’d never usually use.)

Although I disagreed with half of what they said, I nodded and agreed, assuming they knew better than I did. It was a missed opportunity.

Why shouldn’t you be scared of a big title?

Many people with big titles got there through timing, relationships, and leveraging their networks. They might act like they know it all, but no one does—it’s impossible.

This is even true for world leaders, according to President Obama.

Why should you even care?

Senior leaders make many people-related decisions. Whether fair or not, leaders often determine your competence based on limited interactions. These interactions are high stakes. The impression you make matters.

How can you put your best foot forward?

Humanize the leader: Picture them as one of your family members. Maybe they’re your goofy aunt who sings off-key holiday songs every year. Find a way to remind yourself that they are just like you and me.

Understand your unique value: Ask yourself, “what do I bring that this person hasn’t done or can’t do?”. This helps you develop confidence and ensures you can bring something of value to the interaction.

Build Connection: Senior leaders, like all of us, will naturally connect with someone they can relate to. Use what you know about them to highlight points of similarities. They will immediately form a better opinion of you and it will help to humanize them. (I.e having kids, from same state, played same sports, etc)

Act Authentically: Senior leaders respect authenticity and are less likely to connect with someone who is “pressing to impress”. The more authentic you are, the more likely you’ll find a genuine connection. In other words, don’t try to drastically change the way in which you show up - they will see right through it.

Want Some Help?

Do you struggle to show up at your best with senior leaders? Next time you have an important interaction, us this Clear-Eyed Guide: Approaching Senior Leaders With Confidence and you’ll be ready to feel 100% confident.

Clear-Eyed Journey

Alexander Pullen (HR Consultant, SHRM)

I’m grateful Alexander took the time to sit down to share his wisdom. What key lessons can we learn from Alexander’s journey?

• Our career values evolve over time, often by learning what works and doesn’t work.

• When pursuing higher education, look to others in your space to see the types of programs people have pursued.

• Stability isn’t always the goal. Playing it safe can limit opportunities.

• To be a great parent and employee, we can’t always give our best at work. It’s important to be ok with “acceptable performance” when life gets in the way.

Alexander’s early career decisions were rooted in values instilled in him at an early age. 

After a few contracting roles, Alexander’s first foray into HR was in higher education. This choice was driven by an opportunity to pursue his PHD simultaneously. As Alexander evolved, he’s realized that although education is important, it’s only going to take him so far.

Alexander's journey reflects a common theme: the evolution and sometimes, the necessary unlearning of ingrained family values. For him, the idea of seeking a stable job in a safe industry gradually took a backseat.

The two biggest challenges Alexander has navigated over the past few years are figuring out how to be authentic in different workplaces and balancing work and family life with two young children.

To close, Alexander is a devoted father to two children. How does he keep motivated to do his best work everyday?

Thank you to Alexander for imparting his wisdom. If you want to get to know Alexander, say hello on LinkedIn!

Next week, we’ll hear from Alaina Peterson who will share more about how she successfully transitioned from teaching to tech and her LinkedIn message that cut through the noise.