You may have a ways to go before entering the executive boardroom, so in the meantime, here’s Jim Lukaszewski’s tips for better interaction with the boss:
1. Present work product in final form. It should be your best, most complete effort.
2. Look at situations from a perspective other than the one the boss has—this leads to interesting, productive discussions.
3. Think, write and speak in numbers, bullets and series.
4. Bring your stories, experiences and personal history to work—often they reflect an approach or strategy you’re trying to explain to a client.
5. Recognize, acknowledge and learn from the mistakes, missteps, gaffes and goofs you make—then move on.
6. Be solution driven.
7. Be prepared to explain—succinctly and convincingly—your suggestions, proposals and recommendations.
8. Remain one step ahead and be 15 minutes early.
9. Anticipate issues, problems, concerns and opportunities; prepare the boss before he or the client asks; have a plan.
10. Recognize that not every event is a crisis; respond as if every event were a crisis.
11. Speaking for the sake of speaking is unmemorable— say important things.
Source: “Why Should the Boss Listen to You?” by James E. Lukaszewski (Jossey-Bass)