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Original poster

Been called to crisis talks with CEO - how to impress?!

19 replies

Elephantina · 30/12/2018 21:41

I'm in a semi senior role with a tiny firm, owned by a much bigger plc. I've been pushing for a promotion for the last 12 months, all to no avail which I believe is mainly due to budget restraints. But I can do the job at that level, and I'm generally referred to as being in the higher level title.

There has been a long-burning issue within management which came to a head just before Christmas, and our most senior manager (my boss) unexpectedly resigned. As a result, me and the remaining manager have been called in to the head office of the plc, for individual meetings with the CEO.

It will presumably be to discuss logistics/practicalities, i.e how we move forward without my boss. But obviously I don't want to sit and be passive - I want to make a good impression and hopefully, bag a promotion.

I know the CEO and he's a decent person, approachable. I've got an hour with him. How do I handle it?!

OP posts:

Youcancallmeval · 30/12/2018 21:50

Sounds promising!
Think through logically what needs to be done and in what order. Take notes if necessary of any "yes, get that done " type comments. Don't slag off the last person or make digs about stuff that wasn't done properly.

Youcancallmeval · 30/12/2018 21:52

That made little sense- think through beforehand with a view to having ideas and suggestions to contribute or lead with if needed.

andadietcoke · 30/12/2018 21:53

Do you want your manager's job? If so you need a plan to ask for it, selling the benefits of you in that role and what you'll bring to it. How would you drive increased efficiencies / profitability?

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JennyHolzersGhost · 30/12/2018 21:54

Have a clear plan for what needs to be done and how to go about doing it. Be on top of the detail. Anticipate what questions might come up and be prepared with a good answer. In short, step up into the role and just start doing it.

VashtaNerada · 30/12/2018 21:57

I would do an analysis beforehand of strengths / weaknesses / opportunities / threats for the company so you are clear in your mind what you actually think and what your suggestions are to mitigate any further risks. Talk with the authority of someone in your boss’ position but don’t talk as if you’re assuming you have the post. I would do lots of “the post holder will need to be able to...” making it clear that you’re capable of doing just that!

Cherry321 · 30/12/2018 21:59

Be prepared, outline what needs to be done and offer to step with immediate effect on a temporary basis?

Agree with others who say don't be too critical / personal about the previous manager.

Tell them that you intend to apply for the role in due course and sow seeds about why you are the best candidate.

How exciting!!

Original poster

Elephantina · 30/12/2018 21:59

There has been an awful lot of politics which is going to be hard to swerve, but my plan is to remain "neutral" at all costs! I know there has been personality clashes but none of them have involved me.

It's possible that the entire service we provide will change, so it will be hard to sweep in and demonstrate my "superior abilities" without knowing what that will look like. Although, I do have knowledge of their plans so can capitalise on that...i know what I think they want, which is to keep the brand but work smarter for better income. I can do that with greater resources.

OP posts:

FusionChefGeoff · 30/12/2018 22:00

Think of someone you admire for their leadership / management / professionalism and practice answering some questions how they would.

Cherry321 · 30/12/2018 22:01

Also don't assume that the senior guy knows much about what the previous manager actually did on a day to day basis, so be prepared to explain what role actually does / why needs to be replaced. They might want to see if the role could be split between you and the other manager to reduce headcount and save cost?

Violetroselily · 30/12/2018 22:01

List out the issues you've already thought of, with solutions where possible. Think of who needs to be involved outside of these meetings.

Prioritise what needs to be done - are there time critical deliverables that need to be completed, is there a risk of financial impact anywhere?

Avoid any talk of blame, fault etc. If he makes any such comments, try to move the conversation on without giving an opinion on the person.

Does your boss departing create an opportunity for change? Is there likely to be a restructure needed? If so, what might that look like?

Original poster

Elephantina · 30/12/2018 22:02

Oops cross posted with a few. No I don't want my bosses job exactly, it's really just a better paid, higher level of the job I was already doing - the difference will be that I will need to be more assertive, which doesn't come naturally.

My boss was doing my job plus the MD role, I don't want any of that shite.

OP posts:

Original poster

Elephantina · 30/12/2018 22:04

Wow thanks so much for all these responses, I didn't think I'd get any! So helpful...I'll start making some notes. Meeting is on Thurs.

OP posts:

Original poster

Elephantina · 30/12/2018 22:09

Yes, definite possibility of restructure and even redundancies (3 max). As far as I know I am not at risk, but you never know.

We're in profit but not on budget. The goal is going to be to grow the brand and the service. I am certainly confident that I can lead that, but I can't do it alone - I'll need support and team members.

OP posts:

waterandlemonjuice · 30/12/2018 22:15

Ask for an agenda beforehand and prepare for that - you need to know what is on CEO’s mind and prepare accordingly

If you have a plan put it into a slide pack, 4 or 5 slides or less with key points including dates and a summary with proposed next steps

Prepare for hard questions, then anything you’re asked will be fine

Smile, be positive and cheerful

Good luck!

Original poster

Elephantina · 30/12/2018 22:18

Blimey water I never thought about being asked hard questions. I was anticipating it being mainly a practical discussion, but if I want to be taken seriously I'd like to pre-empt the tricky stuff.

I keep thinking of the possible redundancies and feeling awful.

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JennyHolzersGhost · 30/12/2018 22:21

If there are possible budget cuts then it helps to get in early and shape the plan by offering suggestions. Where can money be saved and what is the best direction to take ? You may be able to avert the worst of it by coming up with other ideas. Seize the day !

Original poster

Elephantina · 30/12/2018 22:26

Yes! Seize the day! Thanks Jenny. I'm nervous but excited, in a "what will happen" sort of way.

OP posts:

JennyHolzersGhost · 30/12/2018 22:38

Good luck OP! Plenty of planning and prep and be bold.

Original poster

Elephantina · 04/01/2019 21:31

Quick update - all went well.

The structure is to change, we will become more integrated, and no redundancies which is great news. Not clear on "promotion" exactly, but I still have a job and there's a decent role for me. I'm happy with that.

Frankly I'm grateful to be working for a decent company. Some employers are arseholes but mine is brilliant.

OP posts:

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