The Retrospector

Something I’ve noticed when people are sent into a room or conversation with an executive is that they’ll lock up or freeze. Some kind of nervousness takes over being around someone with the ability to declare your position unnecessary.

Today I’ve decided to reflect on why people do this, and what I’ve learned to avoid looking like a total idiot.

Understanding the fear

Here’s the reasons I think people naturally fear superiors:

1. They wonder if they’re unnecessary and don’t want the executive to wonder the same thing.
2. They know they’re unnecessary and don’t want the executive to think so too.
3. They’re just afraid they’ll say the wrong thing and leave a horrible impression.

My response to such thoughts? Relax, they’re just doing their job. If you’re worthless, they’ll find out eventually anyway. If you don’t have something of value to show, what are you doing talking to an executive anyway?

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