Do you have "executive presence"
How do you gain executive presence? Try talking to more executives.
I’ve enjoyed the role of being close to senior leadership for over 10-years. I’ve served in positions that placed me close to CIO’s/CTO’s and their direct report VP’s. I recall being in project update meetings and needing to tell the most senior level people inside an organization to take a breath and consider the larger picture.
VMware Principal Engineer Bryan Liles asked about making junior engineers feel more comfortable approaching him and sharing ideas. At VMware, a Principal Engineer is equivalent to a Vice President. I’ve always found that there’s a level of perceived difference.
I know Bryan well enough to know that he values the input of engineers at all levels. He also loves mentoring junior engineers. He is approachable.
So, this post is more of a challenge. I want you to invite a VP out to lunch. The process of doing so will teach you a bunch of things about your employer and the executives.
You don’t know a topic of interest for said VP/Principal Engineer? Ask them about their career and how they got to their current level. People love talking about themselves.