Global Leadership Network Expertise

Dear Dr. Karen,

I am starting a new job for a major multinational next week. Although the job is for a subsidiary in my home town, the CEO of this large company is coming to my location and wants to meet with me on my first day on the job which is in two weeks! At this point I only know the little about the company that I got from the interviews, the official company brochures and hiring process. Help. What do I say to the New York CEO? He is new in his job this year so I don’t know much about him either.

Thanks, CMD

Dear CMD,

What a great opportunity for you. If your CEO is new in his job this year there are undoubtedly articles about this new CEO in major news publications. Articles in business magazines and in newspapers will give you a window on his thinking and ways of doing things. This is a chance to make a first impression and to establish a connection in the future if it makes sense.

Look at those articles and let me know: 1) What is he known for or proud of? 2) What are his priorities in the new company? 3) What do others say about him?

Since you’re brand new in your job it’s okay to ask some questions. You’ll need to prepare your questions and what impression you want to leave with him about what you can do for the company.

Set your intent before your meeting with the CEO:

What do you want the CEO to say about you after you two meet? Something like, “This employee is a gutsy and useful addition to the local team”

If you have any other questions let me know. When you do some thinking about what you want and what you will say it helps you to move forward.

Write to me when you get some information.

Dr. Karen

Dear Dr. Karen,

I did what you suggested and found out the following about the CEO:

He believes in the retail end of the business; he wants a kind of one-stop shop for customers
He loves to cut costs including salaries
He can be very blunt and appreciates that in others
He likes to cut down on the costs of the kind of work I’m doing so he has slashed costs in that area; I’m worried that he won’t let me do my job
He is very cheap and very gutsy and likes these traits in others
He likes to question employees and pull information out of them at all levels

I’ll rehearse when I need to say to him. What do I need to do to get ready?

CMD

Dear CMD,

Here is the way to think about it:

It’s too soon for you to have the answers. It’s the right time to ask questions so that you can be prepared for the next time you meet him.

You do need to say what a deal you are for this company and the company for you. You’re pleased to be working for such a dynamic, high-growth business. As you meet others you’ll get to know even more about the company. What you do know is that what you’re doing will leverage his goals and increase the customer base. All you ask of him is to let you be really professional in what you do.

Thank him for his time and interest before you part company.

Dr. Karen

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Ask Dr. Karen - September 25, 2006