You may not get many chances to interact with the CPO, so when there’s an opportunity, you should seize it.
Setting the Stage
The CPO attended our monthly UX design all-hands meeting yesterday and hosted a 15-minute Q&A. He mentioned being open to feedback. I asked him what was the best way to give him feedback. He responded that pinging him on Slack was the best. And that's when I saw my chance to connect.
I was hesitant at first. Who was I to send him a DM? But time was of the essence. I didn't have the chance to give in-depth product feedback. So, I decided to provide immediate, positive (and authentic) feedback on the Q&A session itself. Lesson: You don't always need an elaborate plan; sometimes immediate, honest feedback can be just as impactful.
I DMed him on Slack after the all-hands, expressing how the Q&A built trust and was valuable to me. To my surprise, he replied promptly, encouraging me to ping him anytime. Lesson: Don't underestimate the power of open channels of communication; higher-ups are more accessible than you think.
The swift and positive interaction made me realize the value of taking initiative. At the very least, it will be easier for me psychologically to start a conversation with him after this. Now, I'm in the process of identifying key feedback to offer.
Actionable Tips
If you want to seize opportunities too, here are some tips:
Seize the Moment: If someone in a position of authority invites conversation, take them up on it.
Be Prepared, but Flexible: Identify the topics that align with the higher-up's interest. Use the 'problem-solution-benefit' structure when offering constructive feedback.
Plan Ahead: Always end your messages with a clear call-to-action to sustain the conversation.
Conclusion
Engaging with top-tier management like the CPO might seem intimidating, but it's a necessary step for anyone serious about accelerating their career. A single interaction might not change everything, but it's the start of something potentially significant. In my next interaction with the CPO, I plan to offer feedback on the future of the app. Stay tuned to find out how this evolves and what I learn from it.