Having been on the job for less than a year, there were many things that brand analyst Ben Wise wanted to know about his company’s goals and how he fit into them.
So, as bold as it might seem, he invited his chief executive officer out to a local brew pub for a beer and a talk about his future.
David Kincaid, CEO of Toronto consultancy Level5 Strategic Brand Advisors, accepted the invitation. He was also immediately open to Mr. Wise’s suggestion that the company set up a blog, and put Mr. Wise in charge of developing one.
“It was a very productive discussion. It was definitely helpful to get clear on what the company needs and how I can get the best opportunities to learn, take on more responsibility and advance,” said Mr. Wise, 27.
His experience should inspire others to take the initiative to grab face time with the boss, especially at this time of year, when things tend to be slower, career experts say. With so many people on vacation there are likely to be fewer demands on busy executives. The season also brings events such as company barbecues or golf tournaments that create opportunities to have an informal chat with the boss.
But how do you make your personal encounter worth his or her worthwhile? And what should you discuss to develop a higher profile with the boss – or your bosses’ boss – in the future? We asked the experts.
GET ON THE RADAR
The fact that you are around the office when others aren’t works in your favour, so manage your optics to be as visible as possible, recommends Allison Graham, principal of London, Ont.-based Elevate Seminars and Strategic Development Inc. and author of Business Cards to Business Relationships. “If your employer likes to go to the office early, be an early bird and have an idea you can present quickly in an encounter in the elevator or coffee room. Or you might just walk by the office and give a quick and cheerful “good morning” to signal that you’re on the job bright and early too,” she said .
LET’S DO LUNCH?
Daunting though it may seem, your boss might accept an invitation to lunch to get to know you better, said Tim Cork, president of career transition company NexCareer Inc. in Toronto and author of an advice book, Tapping the Iceberg. But groundwork must be laid. You might put someone you barely know on the spot if you ask him or her to commit to a full hour. It is best to keep your approach simple and subtle. “Say [that] you are hoping there might be an opportune time to sit down and get some ideas based on their experience of how you can best help the organization,” Mr. Cork said. “Let them say yes or no.”
If lunch seems a stretch, suggest coffee. If it’s a go, it’s best to get out of the office, because it keeps the discussion informal and as private as possible. Also, others can’t gossip, he said.
THROW YOUR BEST PITCH
“Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking informal means unprepared,” cautions Karen Kelloway, executive coach and consultant with Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette in Halifax and author of a career advice book, Nail It. “Prepare by coming up with a question about one or two key areas that you’d sincerely like to more fully understand. At the same time, ask yourself what value you can provide the boss in the conversation,” she said.
One dependable line of questions is simply to ask how you are doing and whether there anything else you need to be doing.” The question should be open-ended, such as: “Are there things you could suggest I can do to help you and make your life easier at work?’” Mr. Cork said. Ask about priorities.
BE A KEEN LISTENER
