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Advice for improving my relationships with execs and CEOs?

5 points by hambone_fake ↗ HN
I have, in the past, not had great relations with my "boss"- not my team lead, but execs and CEOs. I usually get along quite well with my fellow teammates but when I have to interface with a person in a position of authority, I seem to fall apart and embarrass myself. I usually get very nervous talking to the high-power A-type personalities, especially if they are the classic handsome-and-confident Steve-Jobs type, and feel very insecure, leading me to fumble my words, make unfunny jokes and generally look like an incompetent.

I feel that I'm not one of the "popular kids" and I'll never fit in with the power-elite, but I do need to make good impressions on the "captains of industry." I don't want my "weird kid" complex is getting in the way of that, because I'm not a child anymore.

5 comments

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thinker75
Your job is not make them like you. It´s actually put yourself around people who atually like you being you. That is the end game.
auslegung
I’m not psychoanalyzing you, but when “I feel that I'm not one of the "popular kids" and I'll never fit in”, it’s because at times I still feel like I’m in high school and literally feel like I’m not one of the popular kids. For me counseling has helped, along with friends who love me for who I am and help me feel accepted. Feeling accepted and wanted is very important for most people.
GianFabien
I used to be like that too. I attended several public speaking training sessions. The groups were very supportive. Their feedback and acceptance helped build my confidence and with it the ability to better handle the sorts of situations you describe.

There are such groups in most cities. Give it a go. You will be surprised how quickly you will overcome your awkwardness.

giantg2
Don't overthink it. CEOs are just people. Spend some time visualizing yourself as their equal.
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