Authentic Business Relationships: 5 Tips For Working With Executive Leaders

Building authentic business relationships with executive leaders is a critical skill. Where do you start? Here are five tips:

1. Understand Your Organization

The best way to align yourself with executive leadership is to understand the organization’s strategy. In the private sector, strategies are often presented in a company’s annual report, quarterly earnings statements, and company websites. In the public sector, reviewing legislation related to an agency is the best place to start to understand the organization’s purpose. Agency websites often convey mission and strategy.  

2. Align with Those Goals

Step back and reflect on how you can best support the achievement of the organization’s goals. Ask yourself what ideas, skills, knowledge, and abilities can you bring to the table? It is shocking how many organizations do not have a strategy. If your organization does not have a strategy, offer to help create one.

3. Set and Manage Expectations

Set expectations from the outset. Seek to understand what is being asked by executive leaders. Ask lots of questions to determine the scope, timing, and resources. At times, you may not be able to align or have the skills or knowledge. Be honest if you cannot help.

4. Bring options to resolve problems

Find solutions to problems and ask for support when you need it. Be open and honest. If you need others to do what they are supposed to do, ask. There are times when you need executive leadership to make decisions, so ask. 

5. Genuinely Care 

The most important tip is to genuinely care about the success of your executive leaders. Demonstrate grit and the will to help them succeed. Be sensitive to the chemistry, timing, and leadership voids. Apologize when you screw up.  

Earning the trust and confidence of executive leaders is fulfilling.