- Prioritize your problems, only bring them the most important1
- Be concise1
- Always prepare a shared written agenda1
- As Dave Kellog notes, Answer the question2!
- When preparing a presentation, focus on The Question You Do Not Want to be Asked.
Bring me solutions, not problems
When bringing a problem to an executive provide proper context. This context should be just enough to understand the situation (they do not need every detail, just the important ones)1. Bringing solutions not problems demonstrates initiative which shows an executive that they can monitor and course correct rather than actively lead (which they donât want to do)1.
Avoid bringing politics into your communication with executives. They will likely be unaware of the politics below them and view them as a waste of time/productivity1.
Be âemotionally optimisticâ when communicating with executives. Executives are bombarded problems, and likely you need them for one. Avoid cynicism, defeatism, and bitterness in your communication with them1.
1. SaaSy, S. Dont Bring Me Problems, Bring Me Solutions. Stay SaaSy (2023).
2. Kellogg, D. The One Key to Dealing with Senior Executives: Answer the Question! Kellblog (2012).