Comfort Around Higher Management

You have experience in talking to your parents, teachers, friends and other adults in your life, but not necessarily higher management. It is a different type of relationship and it may be intimidating.

Time is Important

• Brevity is not only the soul of wit – it is critical to communicating with higher management.
• Don't take their time just to state some facts. Approach them when you have a request or there's a problem. Use facts to support your request or solution.
• Timing is everything. When should you tell the employer that you can't work on Tuesday nights? When should you ask if you're going to get training? There are appropriate times to ask certain questions.

Attitude Makes a Difference

• Keep a positive attitude (avoid words like “can’t,” “won’t,” and “impossible”)
• Be polite and respectful.
• Avoid confrontational or defensive words and behavior.
• Try not to put higher management on the spot.
• Don't blame individuals.
• Try saying "I" instead of "you". For example: "I noticed the flag is not in place like it usually is" rather than "You took the flag down".
• Watch your body language e.g. don't cross your arms or point your finger.
• Make a positive suggestion to solve the problem if you can.

Packaging

• Higher Management rarely likes surprises – keep them informed of projects with brief, bulleted memos
• State your issue or what you would like, clearly and concisely.
• If the request is about a personal issue, you can request to speak to them in an office or away from your co-workers or other students.
• Don't divulge personal information unnecessarily, but do discuss work/professional topics.
• LISTEN. When they don't bring up the subject that's on your agenda, ASK your question.
• End on a positive note.