Your Guide to Building Trust with Senior Stakeholders
Picture this: You're in your first big meeting with senior executives, and suddenly, all eyes are on you. You can feel your heart racing and when you talk your voice is shaky. Sound familiar? Whether you love it or dread it, working closely with senior stakeholders is a common part of most communications roles.
I know that when I need to present my ideas in a meeting with executives or even the CEO, I can easily freeze up. I might be at ease discussing the same challenge with my peers, but when the audience is at the top of the tree, things feel different. I've also had team members who were the opposite: overly friendly and too relaxed.
Wherever you fall on this spectrum, working with executives is a fantastic opportunity. It’s a chance to build your personal reputation and that of your team, demonstrating the value that good communications can add. It’s also a prime opportunity to learn what’s important to them and how they operate.
Over the years, I’ve developed some strategies that help me get the most out of these relationships, and I’ve even had the opportunity to be in an executive role myself. Here’s what I’ve found works best:
Be Clear on Purpose. Executives are always in a rush, so when your agenda item is up, don’t waste it. Get straight to the point and then add detail. Be clear about what you’re telling them and what your recommendation is, and then dive into the why. They have a lot to get through each day, so they’ll appreciate a clear and concise update.
Listen Carefully. When an executive is giving you feedback or a task, take careful note. They will expect you to listen the first time, and it might be tricky to clarify their instructions later. Jotting down some notes is a good idea. Also, pay attention to what they mention that seems insignificant or non-urgent. See them as quick wins that you can use to show that you’re listening to what they’re saying and that you can deliver.
Prepare Thoroughly. If you are presenting to executives or even just attending a meeting that they will be at, prepare for it. This could mean having a practice run of what you’re about to say, reading through the agenda beforehand, or brainstorming answers to potential questions. You probably wouldn’t do this in a meeting with just your peers, but remember, when there’s senior staff around, the stakes are higher, so it pays to be prepared. You’ll thank yourself when you find your presentation running smoothly and your words flowing perfectly.
Be Yourself. This is probably the most important advice because being true to who you are at work is critical. Don’t feel like you need to be a robot or imitate the other executives in the room. Feel free to inject a little humor or personality into what you’re saying. They’ll likely find it refreshing; however, I don’t recommend you go as far as resting your feet on the table.
The next time you’re in a meeting with senior stakeholders, try out these strategies. Start small—maybe by practicing your delivery or noting down a quick win. Each interaction is an opportunity to build credibility and trust, so make the most of it. And if you have any questions or want to share your experiences, I’d love to hear from you!