Not too long ago, I created a business plan for a new software product development company. It took me a couple of days to finish and I was to a certain level proud of it although I felt it was a bit rushed. I then set a meeting with top management and brought with me a month’s worth of energy for the presentation.
It didn’t end well. The CEO hated it. He thought it was a waste of time. He didn’t even bother hiding his annoyance. Until then, I didn’t know that the ice bucket challenge can be done without cold water. Ha! Luckily, I’m genetically predisposed to only have 2 expressions in the board room: blank and smiley.
He’s written and seen more business plans than I can imagine; there’s no sense telling him something he already knew especially when he’s not in the plan.
The instruction was simple. I was hired to get things done. Unless there is something seriously wrong with how I do things, he only needed to see the results. I should’ve just spent the time producing that.
I should know my audience very well.
I should know how to control my emotions and choose a response. This one I got right. An explanation requires at least 3 more paragraphs though.
That was an important moment. I learn something new every time I look back.
But why am I writing this again? Oh. Somebody asked for a story. -aB
Photo by tribesh kayastha on Unsplash
i. am. mark. 