You're trying to connect with a new C-suite executive virtually. How can you establish trust effectively?
Connecting with a new C-suite executive virtually can be daunting, but building trust is essential for a fruitful relationship. Here are some strategies to make a strong impression:
What methods have you found effective when connecting with new executives?
You're trying to connect with a new C-suite executive virtually. How can you establish trust effectively?
Connecting with a new C-suite executive virtually can be daunting, but building trust is essential for a fruitful relationship. Here are some strategies to make a strong impression:
What methods have you found effective when connecting with new executives?
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Perosnally, I like to approach my first meeting with the coachees like the "speed dating"! These are quick, agenda-free, focusing on building rapport and setting the foundation for a successful coaching journey. First impressions are the lasting impressions, hence its crucial to establish competence, mutusl trust & compatibility! By the second "speed date," I subtly introduce core elements like confidentiality, goals, session structure, establishing our shared expectations etc. I have also noticed that explicitly calling these initial sessions as "speed dates" keeps the tone light, content humorous & truly exploratory, creating a comfortable space for open, authentic dialogue from the start! Then starts the real coaching conversations!
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Connection comes after trust, and trust has to be built and gained. Spend time building trust with your client dedicating time to know the person and his/her story. Don't rush into business before you know the client, and the client knows you. People tend to trust familiar people. Pay attention and practice presence, active listening, and using your intuition to sense how the client is feeling. Maintain your camera open, assuming a forward position, and show your interest in the client. Finally, ask the client directly how he/she wants the sessions to feel comfortable. The best answer comes from the client.
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Connecting with a new C-suite executive virtually? It’s all about building rapport from the start. I make sure to be fully present in our first meeting—no distractions, just real, active listening. I ask questions that show genuine curiosity about their goals and challenges, letting them know I’m invested in their success. Sharing a bit about my own background helps humanize the connection and makes things feel less transactional. I also follow up with a quick, thoughtful recap email, reinforcing that I’m engaged and here to support them. Trust builds fast when they see I’m all in from day one.
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In our first conversation, I’d establish that this is a safe, confidential space for them to speak openly and that I might be taking notes to capture key points, not checking my phone, so they know they have my full attention. I keep my camera on, ensuring good lighting and eye contact. Throughout the conversation, I stay fully present, avoiding any multitasking. I nod, smile, and use affirming phrases to show I’m engaged.
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If I am dealing with a C suit client for virtual coaching, i will not get into the process on the first go. Because connecting with leaders physically is easy but virtually could be challenging. Thus, my first interaction will be more on getting to know about them. I would build in a good rapport, talk about my work & also get to know more about them without judging. Once the rapport is built, the conversation becomes more Progressive & productive. The comfort & cooperation also increases. Then coaching travels properly with the leader.
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Typically, the first couple of times I meet with the client are spent building a rapport, setting expectations, and getting assessments and 360s set up. I also spend time understanding the context in which s/he is working; and learning about the leaders role, team and organization. By the time we are ready to review data and feedback the leader is typically open to objectively reviewing the information and building out a coaching plan; its at this point typically the relationship has evolved to have a fairly high level of trust established. I would not rely solely on virtual interactions with c-suite clients, and build an extended in-person session into the engagement to review assessment data, and enhance the connection.
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