Preparing for Executive Shadowing Session

Submitted by robers97
in
Career Management
My manager has created an opportunity for me to shadow a VP. The day will begin early and last until the trip to the airport. This is a huge networking opportunity! My approach was to research the people on the agenda as much as possible and prepare for the day like I would a series of interviews. Questions: 1) How would you suggest I prepare? 2) What do are reasonable expectations the VP might have with me in these meetings?
Submitted by robers97 on Thursday August 2nd, 2007 5:59 pm

The thought is to give some visibility to VP life and to build a relationship with this particular VP which who has responsibility over an area that will be a logical next career move for me.

Submitted by John Hack on Thursday August 2nd, 2007 6:39 pm

Great opportunity...

If this is a "shadow" situation, expect to say little or nothing. You are an observer unless the VP signals otherwise. If your relationship allows, ask for a followup meeting with the VP when you can ask questions - don't assume you'll know the questions until after you observe and reflect.

I would closely watch/write down how the VP spends his/her time (maybe in 15 minute increments - Drucker style).

What issues does the VP deal with, and how are decisions made/delegated/tabled?

How does the VP interact with customers, suppliers, peers, directs, and superiors?

How does the VP leverage administrative support?

Hope this helps…

John

Submitted by robers97 on Sunday August 5th, 2007 10:25 pm

John - thanks for your instruction. The day went well.

Recording how the VP spent his time in the 15 minute intervals was a good discipline. It helped me stay on task and made for a good set of notes to review when my input was called upon.

When the day started, he went through a review of the calendar. Afterwards, I asked, "What's the most important thing you want to accomplish today?" The answer to this one question gave a lot of context many of the interactions throughout the day.