Tips for Presenting to Senior Leaders.

Whether it’s requesting to add to staff, purchasing new software, or recommending a process change, getting the buy-in from your senior executives is critical. Before you make your “pitch” to the executive(s), here are some things you may want to consider:

Build your coalition. Before going into the “Big Meeting” to present your idea to the Executive team, try to identify key players who will be in the meeting with you and share your ideas with them. Get their feedback on key points, things to highlight (or avoid), and make sure they are on the same page as you.

WIIFM: What’s In It For Me. Don’t spend time telling the Executive why you want something; tell them why THEY should want it.

BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front. Executives are busy and want you to get to the point so they can make a decision. Tell them at the beginning of the presentation what you want, then spend the rest of the time sharing why they should agree with you.

By preparing you can “stack the deck” in your favor to get the outcomes you know are good for the business.

Note: This tip is provided by SWPP Board Member Mark Rhodes of Edward Jones. He may be reached at mark.rhodes@edwardjones.com.