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Anonymous
07/23/20 at 9:34PM UTC
in
Career

Getting ahead, according to an executive

I’ve noticed people treat me very differently now that I’m an executive and I think it’s a bit sad. Here’s a reminder: if you’re in a social situation just treat them like a normal person. It’s a gut instinct for many of us to be nervous and feel like we shouldn’t talk to the boss's boss. And if we do, we’ll only talk to them about our career or something job-specific. Because while a job title might sound fancy and/or intimidating -- I'm also worried about the same things others are -- like figuring out what I want to make for dinner, wondering if my kids are okay and contemplating if I should exercise more. When people become more “important” people stop treating them somewhat normal. Be professional, don’t overshare, but also don’t be afraid to speak to them! I bet he/she will appreciate the gesture and remember to help pay it forward within your career down the line (if they can). Hope someone finds this tip helpful! Any other thoughts are welcome.

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Christina Cord
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85
07/30/20 at 6:37PM UTC
This is a great post! While it's totally normal to feel a little nervous talking to "higher-ups", it's important to remember that they're normal and could be a bit nervous, too. I think it's important to try things a bit outside of our comfort zones every once in a while especially at work, and this could be a good start. People in general (not just Executives) remember those that they had genuine conversations with. Start with something small: do they have any pets at home? Do they have any kids? Try to find something you have in common, and you could possibly chat with them about this again in the future, and those future conversations will start to feel more comfortable and relaxed (while still keeping it professional).
Kelli
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1.46k
Helps senior-level women make career changes
07/29/20 at 2:54PM UTC
I'm SO glad you brought this up. We are all just people riding the waves.
Anita Iskenderian
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112
Administrative Assistant
07/27/20 at 6:11PM UTC
It's normal and understandable to be intimidated. I would be too and I'm not an executive. It's good to know it's right to talk about everyday things within reason, not just business.
Chloe Nguyen
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31
Digital Marketing Strategist
07/26/20 at 10:23PM UTC
This is a very helpful post indeed! There is for sure the perception of a pedestal due to title and rank which leads to nervousness and intimidation. The "different" treatment definitely comes out of respect -- respect for the hierarchy, respect for the hard work that led them to where they are today, respect for your time. I'm definitely appreciative and more open when the execs speak to us commoners too. At our last holiday party, the individuals in the c-suite made it a point to meander and talk to everyone, not just each other or folks in their own group, which was super nice.
Clydene Horrigan
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774
Process improvement is my game
07/26/20 at 10:10PM UTC
Great advice. Executives are just people! On a related note, I can’t stand when people only tell executives what they think the executive wants to hear. I’m all about transparency. After all, most executives will figure it out eventually, and most want to know about issues sooner rather than later so they have more options to address the issues.
Barb Hansen
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6.65k
Startup Product, Growth & Strategy
07/24/20 at 12:10AM UTC (Edited)
I'm an executive -- been one for years -- and I get treated differently because I don't "look" like an executive (which is a whole other kettle of fish). In the past, when I told people what I did, more often than I would have wanted, I was asked if I work for Amway (or some other MLM) because that must be the only place that a 40 to 50ish year old woman (who wasn't thin and perfectly coiffed) would have a director or VP role. Drove me crazy! Now because my role has changed to Co-Founder/COO of a funded tech startup I get that "surprised" look from both men and women, which is frankly just as bad. Note to the world: Woman of all shapes, sizes, colors, ethnicity, and backgrounds get promoted, and we start tech companies.
Aly Brine
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1.59k
Helping Corporate Hippies thrive on LinkedIn!
07/23/20 at 9:44PM UTC
Love this! In my HR Generalist role, I supported the leaders at the refinery so I was in and out of their offices regularly and learned they were just normal people with a title. Our Division Manager was in my office several times a day just to show me what he bought on eBay! Creating those relationships helped me to support them better as well. I found that I could disagree with folks and they were more willing to hear me out because of it.

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