How to Impress Top Executives at Work

By Joe Issid

There is a fine line between being eager to impress and coming across as an unapologetic sycophant. As most 80s movies will teach you, success is usually rewarded to the hard-working underdog who retains their dignity and exercises a modicum of restraint. (Spoiler alert: those who suck up the most to the boss rarely turn out to be the hero). All kidding aside, at some point in our careers, we will all come into contact with high-level executives who, for the most part, wield influence within our chosen career path. And what is certain is that we will all respond to these opportunities in differing ways. Some of us may be overly cautious and wary to say anything inappropriate. Others may try to hit a home run when a simple base hit will do. As someone who has worked with executives across numerous industries, I can confidently say that there is no singular way to succeed. But I have seen patterns develop among those who have experienced success in getting recognized. Here are a few:

Understand their needs

Most CEOs or senior executives probably have no idea how to do your job. For example, the CEO of a software development company may not be able to create 3D illustrations, which means he/she probably does not fully understand the realities of the company’s 3D animators. As such, when you are involved in a meeting with your company’s CEO, you will need to showcase your talents in a way that is relevant to their perspective or reality.

Relax. Take it easy.

Take it easy and relax, a CEOs role is to think of the big picture plan for the company. If you want to impress him/her, showing how your talents translate into the big picture view for the company will likely serve you best. Don`t forget you are the one with the knowledge, leverage this.

Don’t yell

Of course, I don’t mean this literally. Many people tend to want to talk louder in the presence of top executives as it gives the impression that they may sound more competent or authoritative. Additionally, people are prone to talk over one another as they scramble to showcase their work or initiatives. Thing is, if you can see this behavior so can your boss. Top executives have risen to their positions (presumably) based on a combination of intelligence and instinct. And it is very easy for them to see when people are yelling for attention versus those who are worthy of it. So, you should trust that they will recognize good work when they see it.

Be dependable

I realize this sounds quite obvious but top managers crave dependability more than nearly any other attribute. Thing is, all executives say they want a superstar on their team but what they really want is someone who is dependable and competent. Superstars can be difficult to manage and may not be happy in their positions for long. Companies love stability and want to hire people who can simply get the job done. So, if you want to impress the top brass at your company, simply do your job and do it well. Recognition will soon follow.

Take initiative

Personally, nothing makes me happier as a manager than when members of my staff take the initiative to perform a task without being asked to do so. To me, it demonstrates autonomy, leadership and a keen willingness to further the company’s objectives. If an employee can demonstrate to senior management that they have the ability to think independently and in a way that improves business, they are certainly putting themselves in a position to be recognized.

Care

It may seem counterintuitive (and possibly even somewhat unappealing) but the further you evolve in your career, the harder you will probably have to work. And the more you are likely to care about the work you are doing. As a manager, it is easy for me to see who among my staff is passionate about their work and who is not. And, more often than not, those who are more emotionally invested are those who tend to get recognized and rewarded for their work. It is much easier for me to teach someone to, say, back-up a database than it is to make someone care deeply – and take pride – in their work.