The One Key to Dealing with Senior Executives: Answer the Question!

Senior executives value direct answers above polished talk. When a leader asks "On a scale of 1-10 how is the team working?" a one-digit response satisfies the need for data and leaves room for deeper probing. The article shows a bad answer that wanders, a good answer that is concise, and a best answer that adds a tiny hint of context, demonstrating how to give exactly what the exec wants while keeping the conversation moving.

The same pattern applies to project status questions. Saying "Yes, mostly" acknowledges progress and flags a single blocker without drowning the listener in excuses. This style respects the exec's time, signals confidence, and creates a natural follow-up point if they choose to dig deeper. The author advises tracking how often teams fail to answer directly, because the hidden cost is wasted meeting time and reduced credibility.

Technical leaders can use this tactic to improve meeting effectiveness: listen for the core question, respond with a clear metric or yes/no, and optionally add a brief qualifier. Over time the habit reduces filler, sharpens decision-making, and builds a reputation for being someone who delivers actionable information quickly.