Project Managers Must Gain the Trust of the Boss’s Inner Circle
Communicating big decisions requires doing whatever it takes to build trust with senior management
One of the biggest challenges for technical professionals is connecting with the boss’s inner circle. Yet, if you want to communicate effectively with senior management and board members, building these relationships is essential. Here are a few some practical ways.
Humans Rely on Each Other to Make Big Decisions
Every major decision relies on an inner circle of trusted advisors. Think about the last big decision you made. Did you seek input from others? If your daughter were planning her wedding, would she make every decision alone? Probably not.
Leaders are no different. There’s simply too much information, too many moving parts, and too much at stake for one person to handle it alone. Humans need other humans. The inner circle exists to process information and manage uncertainty.
How to Connect with the Inner Circle
1. Just Ask
This may feel a little forward, especially for technical professionals, but it works. Often, the boss’s boss will gladly tell you who is in their inner circle. If you ask.
2. Build Relationships Over Time
You can’t build trust overnight. Go to events that the inner circle attends. Invite them to your department’s gatherings. Does this feel like schmoozing? Maybe a little. But senior management and board members value engagement and appreciate the opportunity to interact.
3. Share Information in Advance
Make sure the inner circle has access to your presentation materials ahead of time. Let them know you’re open to discussions before the meeting. This builds trust and increases the chances of your key points being understood.
It’s About Connecting, Not Just Presenting
For technical professionals, effective communication isn’t just about delivering information — it’s about understanding the dynamics of the inner circle. Decisions are rarely made in isolation. The better you connect with the inner circle, the more impact your message will have.
