20 seconds in the lift/elevator with the CEO? What to say?
Submitted by lincolnrozelle on Thu, 07/26/2012 - 18:10.
If you're getting in a lift and the CEO get's in what do you say?
This question was posed on our internal work network and I thought MT might have a decent answer.
I work in technology for a major global bank. Recently the CEO was in our building a fair bit. (You may have guessed which one from those two sentences.) In the building I work it's common to run across execs in the at the coffee bar queue or in the elevator.
Sometimes I introduce myself but generally I'm unsure what to do. If opportunity is there, and I know vaguely what they do, I introduce myself and try to say something relevant. There must be an effective way to do this.
Does anyone have any good tips? Or recommended behaviours?
(Firm handshake is a given.)
"It wasn't me."
"It wasn't me."
20 seconds? Be personable.
With that little time, you don't really have the time to say anything deep and meaningful. I'd treat the CEO like anyone else and ask "How are you today?" Let him decide how much he wants to talk -- he may have a million other things on his mind.
Of course, I'm a high S, so your mileage may vary.
flexiblefine
Houston, Texas, USA
DiSC: 1476
I agree with flexible fine.
I agree with flexible fine. I try to say hello and how are you to people in high level positions, but that is it. At meetings or organizational gatherings I take a different approach, but if we are not scheduled to interact, I stick to a smile and a polite: Hi Joe, how are you to day?
My experience is that nearly everyone is always trying to get the ear of the CEO, CFO, etc... informally (in the elevator, the restroom, etc...), that I prefer to be the employee that respects their space and time, gives them a moment's peace.
AJ
7136
I agree too. Thanks
Good ideas thanks!
The "How are you today?" which Mark recommended for using when sitting next to people on planes is great. Showing interest instead of looking at your shoes is probably best, while this question also gives them a way out.
Build the network
The hell with respecting the CEO's space and time... you're not building a network by mumbling a generic greeting and hoping he CEO wants to chat.
Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't ask if the BRIC profits are expecting a boost from the collapse of mensalão. Sure, the operner of, "How are you, today? would be fine, although I'd probably lead with, "So, how's the CEO today?" "How long are you in town for?" "What hotel are you staying at?" "Have you been relegated to hotel food or have you been able to venture out to some of the more adventurous restaurants in the area?"
Be ready for the "What do you do?" question. A crisp, clean response delivered with a smile is essential.
Not to put too fine a point on it but, this is an interview!
--Michael
Michael makes a good point
I think it's a good idea to make clear that you know he's the CEO of your global bank. You know you're not just talking to a random person, but a very big wig in your organization.
On the other hand, I don't think coincidentally getting into the same elevator as the CEO is an interview. Maybe I'm just overly cautious.
flexiblefine
Houston, Texas, USA
DiSC: 1476