I believe small talk means that one is simply engaging in everyday conversation with someone in executive management. However, the motive behind it is not always clear. Often times an employee will try to “butter up” management by trying to appear as a friend instead of a worker.
Small talk is important because it allows executive management to notice you. It allows them to get to know your personality and your personal life a little bit. A person can utilize this to help them have a positive influence and effect on executive management which can always help with your career.
This is a topic that is near and dear to the hearts of my readers, researchers, and website visitors. So much so that one of them were kind enough to share their own personal opinions. I don’t claim to be the best interviewer in the world, but I do promise some good, raw, and honest answers from normal people like you and me. I do my best to NOT filter these answers, except for the bad words and hateful speech.
With that little blurb out of the way, let’s dive right into the juicy bits of (potentially) life-changing insights.
Current Topic: Small Talk With Executive Management
‘R’ = Richard N. Stephenson (me!)
‘I’ = Interviewee (anonymous by request unless otherwise noted)
R: What’s so special about this topic anyway?
I: Establishing your presence as a social person and worker at your job. Showing yourself as an individual who isn’t frightened to talk with executive management. A personal, interested respect for your superiors.
R: This is very interesting stuff here and I think it could help people. What do you feel is the most life-altering thing about the topic?
I: One could very easily feel too familiar with the management personnel involved and let slip a piece of information that could change their opinion of you. This could lead to lack of promotions in the future, or even termination. On the other hand, they may take a liking to you based on the subject matter of the small talk, which could lead to more positive advancements.
R: How do you think this could be used for personal development or just being a better person overall?
I: If there are things you are struggling with you can ask them for pointers on how to get better. This shows them that you are willing to learn and get better. It also lets them see that you have potential.
R: In general, what type or person (or someone specifically!) typifies this subject to you?
I: Somebody who talks about last nights games. Talk to the management group about common interest and whether they like them or not acts favorable towards the same things the executive management would like.
R: Break it down for me real quick – who just plain sucks at this topic?
I: A person that is worse at small talk with an executive manager is a person who does not answers questions clearly. Also, this person avoids eye contact and does not speak up clearly for those to hear. they may also avoid talking and look for excuses to not speak.
R: Give us an example of what you do to make this topic a part of your daily duties.
I: I would just ask them how they were, and or how they are feeling today.
R: When do you think the average person should start paying attention to this topic?
I: During a non-business function. Maybe in an employee party or gathering. I would not make small talk during an important meeting.
R: When do you think folks should absolutely NOT work on this topic?
I: During budget cuts. Because if you get all buddy buddy with the boss. He maybe looking at you to either stay on or let you go. And then if you do get buddy buddy with him. It makes things very hard on you as well as the boss.
R: In a few short sentences, tell us where people could get some good use out of this topic.
I: While you are on the job completing a task. It shows that you are dedicated to your work while proving that you can multitask and speak with them. It may improve your chances of getting a promotion.
R: Describe the worst place to bring this subject into your life.
I: Never try to engage executive management in small talk in the bathroom. There are better places and you don’t want management to feel like they’re trapped in the bathroom with you. Try the hallway instead.
R: In your opinion, who out there could use a little more help with this subject?
I: I am not sure which group or organization would benefit most. I think there should be some type of conversation between echelons it can’t always be work. I think shy or introverts would be a little more scared to engage so that would be my guess. A shy person or persons.
R: What would you tell the readers to do if they wanted to get help with this topic soon?
I: The most useful piece of advice for someone that wants help with small talk with executive management is to find something that management is interested in. Management will be much more interested to speak with you if you talk about something they like. You can do an internet search or read their biography so you will know how to steer the conversation to something they want to talk about. Also, dress well and be polite.
R: How would you describe the most dangerous thing about this subject?
I: You should avoid talking about how tired you are. You should express readiness at all times. A positive image is infectious and is remembered by Management.
R: How would you describe a practical step we could take today to get more done on this topic?
I: One good example of being able to make small talk with the “big bosses”. Would be to prove to them that you have valid ideas. The best way to do this is to schedule a meeting with them or try and find them in a casual situation. You don’t want to try and corner them because more often than not they are very busy and will just be annoyed with you.
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Thank you for reading this personal journey into becoming a better person and having a better future ahead of you. I hope you enjoyed this interview conversation and found golden nuggets you can immediately apply to your daily life.
If you’re interested in discovering how to use small talk to succeed at work, transform your introversion into a useful skill, and handle those annoying coworkers, then check out Just Say Something!.
Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments, or personal life-changing wisdom below.