Hey There!

This late summer period is the time you are most likely to casually meet people in senior management, both in your own hierarchy and in other departments.  Some are returning from holidays, while others are covering for their colleagues.  The atmosphere at work is a little more relaxed, which makes people open for unexpected conversations.

Mentally review interesting things you might talk about if you were to run across the top manager in another department.  Perhaps you are preparing to introduce a new service in the fall; be prepared to enthusiastically discuss how it will benefit many customers.  Maybe you have both been to the same vacation spot; we are all happy to talk about trip highlights.  If you know about a great decision or project sponsored by senior management, offer congratulations in a way that shows you recognize the work and dedication of other staff.  Pursue a double strategy: prepare some topics, yet maintain enough flexibility to react genuinely when the opportunity arises.

Opportunities arise in many guises.  If you notice a senior manager waiting for the crossing light, move up, say hello and if necessary introduce yourself.  If you are relieving for your own boss, perhaps you can make an opportunity to meet with your more senior manager.  Or, after a meeting that includes senior participants, linger in a way that allows you to interact with people outside your usual network.  Most senior managers achieved their success by extending their networks, too.