I have to agree with Glen here.
Executives are busy people who make multiples of decisions every day and are being pulled into multiple discussions. Many, many technical people (not just regulatory) make a number of mistakes in presenting ideas to executives, including:
- diving WAY too deep into technical details they don't need to know and loses their attention
- not clearly presenting the alternatives and why those aren't the best approach
- not making it clear how this benefits the business
etc. One of my biggest jobs as CTO (and years beforehand) is "translating" all the technical details and jargon into something the rest of the exec team clearly understands, as well as the related risks and benefits.
I don't have experience with this particular class, though I do know Nancy and she is highly experienced. And in reality, for more junior folks, your BOSSES should be reviewing your presentations and helping you make them impactful for their audience (in this example the exec team). That said, I am a big fan of "the world rewards those who help themselves" and will just reiterate this is a very important topic.
Ginger
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Ginger Glaser RAC
Chief Technology Officer
MN
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-Dec-2022 08:36
From: Glen Park
Subject: Do you know how to talk to company executives?
I am disappointed to read this kind of response from a Regulatory colleague. Fortunately, I believe that this kind of attitude is rare in our ranks.
I suggest that there are three reasons that an idea is not accepted by management at a company and incompetent executives would, in my 30+ years of experience, be considered a very rare reason. The other reasons are that it was a bad idea that was not well thought out by the presenter, and a good idea that was not presented well. Training on how to present your ideas could definitely help with this last reason. Although I have no experience with Nancy's offering, it is worth exploring for young up and coming regulatory professionals who also want to be leaders in their company and profession.
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Glen Park PharmD
Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance
New York NY
United States
Original Message:
Sent: 08-Dec-2022 11:42
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Do you know how to talk to company executives?
This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
Whose loss was that idea not listened to?? It is the executives or the company's loss! The reason the executives invited you to present ideas implies they are looking for help! If so, the executives should be paying attention to details and ask clarifying questions if not the person is at the wrong company talking to incompetent executives.
Original Message:
Sent: 08-Dec-2022 11:08
From: Nancy Singer
Subject: Do you know how to talk to company executives?
Here's a scenario: You walk into a meeting certain you are right, only to leave wondering why your idea was rejected. You may think you are being treated unfairly – that it is personal, or that the decision maker didn't let you explain or just didn't understand.
More likely than not, the problem is not with your idea. The problem is the way you presented it.
Making the most of your time with company executives is a key skill that leads to promotions - and to better job satisfaction overall.
At Talking to Decision Makers: What to Say and How to Say It, my RAPS online workshop on 18 January, I'll show you how to put your best foot forward when interacting with company leaders. You'll get the opportunity to try out my method and deliver a short talk in a breakout room with two other regulatory professionals.
You can learn more about this workshop here. And if you're interested in learning more about this topic, you might find my Regulatory Focus Feature on the subject worthwhile.
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Nancy Singer JD, FRAPS, RAC
President, Compliance-Alliance
Arlington VA
United States
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