5-17-10 Personal Impact

For the new or aspiring executive, it is important that you never, and I mean never, underestimate the amount of influence or impact that an executive has.

In looking back at the comments made by my survey participants, I was led down memory lane. When I was first starting out in business as a finance analyst and even once I became a first-level manager, I remember how “in awe” I was of the Finance Director. And how terribly nervous I would be when I was in a meeting where he appeared. And if I was the one giving the presentation? Well, let’s just say that extra-strength antiperspirant was a requirement. I could remind myself that he was just a man…. That he didn’t have any special powers or abilities. But believe me, when he spoke, those of us around him listened. We analyzed his every comment and look. And then took what we believed were the appropriate actions -- or at least what we guessed that he expected.

As I grew into my responsibilities and became more comfortable with my abilities, that nervousness around the boss’ boss’ boss faded. But I will always remember what it felt like. And I swore that I would go out of my way to make sure, as I moved up the corporate ladder, that those around me didn’t feel the same nervousness that I grew up with. In fact, I would take care to remind those folks that I am the very same person that I was before I became an executive.

But I learned, much to my amazement, that no matter how much I believed that I was the same person…. The fact is, people reacted to and treated me differently. Whether we like it or not, there is a “power” that goes with having achieved (or been granted) executive status. You have to remember that, for example, slight “suggestions” that you offer are often seen as “commands”. Or that off-hand comments you make can generate significant consternation in your organization. People are often reluctant to come back to you to clarify your comments. And as a result, they will often take off working on projects or tasks that you never intended and didn’t even want.

The fact is you can create a significant amount of unintended consequence simply by virtue of the position power you wield as an executive. Consider the extra work that you can generate with just a flip remark. Measured comments are particularly important when you are around those that will take every statement you make to heart.,

Cheers!