When the Call Comes from the Top
Imagine this. The chairman or CEO suddenly calls you in for a five-minute talk. Most people panic. They start rehearsing achievements, numbers, and project details. But in truth, that’s not what top leaders want to hear.
When a CEO or chairman speaks directly with you, their goal is not to evaluate your personal performance. It’s to collect real, first-hand information about the business.
They are looking for insights that help them make better strategic decisions. In that moment, you are not a subordinate waiting for a grade. You are a messenger of ground truth.
So, what should you say? How should you say it?
The key is to shift your mindset and focus on communication that provides clarity, relevance, and impact.
What to Talk About: Business Health and Systemic Issues
In such conversations, content matters more than confidence. There are two directions that always work when you meet the CEO or chairman.
Talk about business health, not personal performance
Explain how your area is performing.
Leaders value front-line insight because it reveals the truth behind reports and dashboards.
Is it healthy or struggling? If something is off, describe what might be causing it.
Is it the wrong direction, a lack of resources, or a change in the market?
Focus on systemic problems, not personal ones
Don't talk about specific team issues that you can solve yourself. Instead, highlight challenges that affect the entire system.
For example, rising market salaries while recruitment standards stay outdated, or cross-department barriers that slow decisions. These are the issues that need executive attention.
When you think this way, you become more than a manager. You become a trusted source of insight.
How to Deliver the Message: Logic, Structure, and Confidence
Once you have the right content, the next step is expressing it clearly. Leaders listen for logic, not decoration. They appreciate concise, well-structured messages that get to the point fast.
Here are three simple communication skills that can help:
PREP Communication Framework
State your conclusion first, then explain the reason, give a specific example, and end by reinforcing your main point. This structure keeps your message clear and focused, especially when time is short.
Learn more about: PREP Framework: Speak with Clarity and Confidence
SCQA Framework
Use this model when you need to frame a business issue.
Start by describing the current situation, then highlight the complication or challenge. Ask key questions that need resolution and provide your answer or insight. It helps executives see the logic behind your thinking.
Learn more about: SCQA Framework: Enhance Your Communication
Pyramid Principle
This system-thinking framework organizes ideas from top to bottom: start with the key message, then group supporting arguments logically.
It ensures clarity even in complex discussions. When you communicate with senior leaders, this method prevents confusion and saves time.
Learn more about: Pyramid Principle: Unlock Clear System Thinking
The Right Mindset for Leadership Communication
When you meet the CEO or chairman, don’t treat it as an interview. Treat it as a strategic consultation. You are not reporting. You are helping the top decision-maker see the business through your lens.
Stay calm, be factual, and show that you understand what information truly matters. When your message is logical, relevant, and supported by insight, you naturally project competence and leadership.
