How to present to executives (2021)
Missing from this (possibly it’s in the author’s book which I’ve not yet read but it’s on my list):<p>For a certain level of discussion, the outcome might have already been set, and the meeting is a formality to make it so. So as long as the presentation isn’t a total disaster what’s said during the formal discussion is only refinement or finishing details on an already closed decision.<p>If you’ve ever wondered why in a certain discussion someone “came around” or magically the entire room was in support, either that person or their boss worked it out prior to the meeting. It’s not because the PowerPoint was awesome or the policy proposal is clever.<p>I do this - when I’m working on something (if there’s time) I “run it by” the people who need to buy in. That helps refine the proposal or pitch, but it also helps do a couple of key things:<p>1. I can say “I ran this by Stan,” privately to some other folks, and truthfully say he liked it or didn’t and I took his feedback into consideration<p>2. I can hear what people don’t like and either change it or account for constraints they have<p>3. It prewires the audience. They’ve seen the material or heard it in brief. Some people are readers. Some are listeners. With this approach I can catch both and address them on their communication style<p>4. At the discussion I can say “I spoke with most of you here to get feedback from product &#x2F; design &#x2F; dev &#x2F; support &#x2F; ops etc and I heard... and the toll tax is paid to cross various bridges<p>Importantly - the execs themselves can just have a conversation the week or day before and say “hey we have this problem. I need you to listen to ____ and get someone from your team to help.” That works because two months later the other party will say “Hey, remember when I helped you with the thing? I need you to help me with ____ because…”<p>This sort of politics is normal. I’m literally doing it between and across companies on a regular basis. It’s a way to get stuff done, as long as its ethical and doesn’t violate various conduct guidelines and (edit) *its in the org’s best interests.* Most of the time for me at least it’s “can we just get X above the cut line and done by October? I know it’s in November but if it’s in October _____.”