Briefing the big boss
Bardzo mi przykro, ale lekcje na platformie The Blue Tree działają jedynie na komputerze lub tablecie.
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Better
Communicator
CEFR B1
Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below. Then listen to the sample answers and report back on what you’ve heard.
| How approachable are the managers in your company? |
TRANSCRIPT
The managers in my company are generally approachable, but I think it depends on the individual. Some are more open to casual conversations, while others prefer a formal setting. It’s important to understand their style before approaching them. Personally, I feel that if you come prepared and respectful, they’re usually willing to listen.
| Have you ever heard about managing up? What do you think it is? |
TRANSCRIPT
I’ve heard about managing up, and I think it’s about working well with your boss and ensuring that you’re making their job easier while also advocating for yourself. It involves understanding their priorities, how they like to communicate, and aligning your work to support their goals. It’s like managing the relationship with your manager to make sure both sides succeed.
| How can subordinates increase their chances of being heard by their superiors? |
TRANSCRIPT
To increase their chances of being heard by their superiors, subordinates should be clear, concise, and direct. Having a solution-oriented mindset also helps. It’s crucial to do your homework and understand what matters most to your manager, and then present ideas that align with those priorities. Timing and context are key, too—choosing the right moment to pitch an idea can make all the difference.
LISTENING
Listen to the audio. What is the main message of this HBR Management Tip?
reading
Briefing the Big Boss
1. There’s no shortage of advice on how to 2. brief a senior leader: Keep it short, 3. front-load the message, and so on. But you can’t 4. undervalue the interpersonal dynamics in the room when you’re presenting 5. crucial information to the big boss. So before the meeting, identify the senior leader’s most trusted advisor. Consult with that person ahead of time so they’ll be able to 6. vouch for you and back up the information you’re presenting. Their support will help you earn the senior leader’s trust. Next, 7. familiarize yourself with your boss’s instructions. For example, what are their 8. nonverbal cues that 9. indicate that they want you to either say more or hurry up. You need to adapt your style in real time based on their reaction — so make sure you know what those signals are. Finally, find out how your boss engages with material. Are they someone who pushes back on points? Are they a quiet listener? Or do they ask a lot of questions? Being aware of these things ahead of time will make you more effective in communicating the right message under pressure.
This tip is adapted from “How to Brief a Senior Executive,” by Grant T. Harris
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COMPREHENSION
Answer the questions below. Try to throw some of the newly learned words into your answers.
- What are some pieces of advice on how to brief a big boss?
- What shouldn’t we undervalue?
- Why is it a good idea to find someone who could vouch for us?
- What should we familiarize ourselves with?
- How does learning how our boss engages with a material help us?
- Are there any other tips that can help us be more effective presenting under pressure?
Time for a short summary. Watch this video and read all the questions. Do you think it could be practical to take them into consideration when you are briefing the big boss?
POLL
Cast your vote in the poll.
COMMENTS
What advice would you give to a colleague who had to present in front of the Management Board for the first time?
How important is it for the success of a business that top management are approachable and easy to talk to?
Share your views and experience here.