In these trying times we’ve all had to make adjustments. My husband, who is a software engineer, has been working from his home office. Earlier today he had a web meeting where his team was required to introduce themselves to their new vice president of technology. I heard each team member, including my husband and the VP, give their introduction. No one sounded at all comfortable.
Listening to that meeting reminded me of elementary school. Every time someone new (and being the perpetual new kid, I’m all too familiar with the ritual) came into the classroom, there’d be a half an hour break for people to “introduce” themselves. Presentation skills are not innate for most people. Putting kids in front of a crowd and telling them to present their case as to why others should like them is stressful, even traumatic.
What I heard in my husband’s meeting today seemed very similar. Most software engineers sit behind a computer and input code. Some teach and mentor others. Some even present their work on a larger stage, but those presentations are well thought out and prepared ahead of time. Putting these guys on the spot and telling them to present themselves to one of the most important people in the company without time to prepare is almost cruel.
I understand the company’s goal of wanting a more personal approach. Perhaps a better way of introducing the VP would be to let him prepare what he would like to say to each team. Then go around to each of the teams personally introducing himself. At that point he could leave each group with an open invitation to allow people to introduce themselves. This would alleviate the stress and pressure people feel at the thought of having to impress an important person in front of a crowd of others.
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