Executive roundtables gather UX teams and executives to discuss design topics. UX teams showcase works and emphasize their needs for process, time, resources, and budget.
Repercussions:
Executives have seen the work already
Executives challenge the UX needs
Executives burdened with UX requests
UX appears dependent, whiny, needy
Executives and UX bored with discussion on logistics
Instead, utilize roundtables to explore executive challenges. Showcase your expertise in empathy, strategy, proactivity, and thought leadership.
Outcomes:
Executives feel supported
Executives trust UX
Executives excited about solution
Executives empowered to provide needs
Discussion is insightful and engaging
To deliver value to executives, explore their challenges and goals. Use methods to showcase expertise and lead a strategic, productive, and focused meeting.
Don't ask, just do
Don't say
How do we move forward?
Can you give us [request] to unblock us?
Can you speak with [person] to allow us to [action]?
Do say
We will [action] to solve our issues and satisfy our needs.
We will work with [person or team] to help us with [action].
Focus on the executives
Don't say
This is our challenge/goal.
This is what we did.
This is what we need.
Do say
What are your challenges?
What are your product goals?
What keeps you up at night?
Offer help
Don't say
How do we help?
Where do we start?
What are your expectations?
Do say
We will [action] to help you with that challenge.
We will deliver [output] with expected [outcome] to reach your goal.
Set expectations
Don't say
We will try to figure this out.
We don't know how long it will take.
We will follow up when we're ready.
Do say
We can achieve [output] by [date].
Let's set [date] to review our progress with you.
Summary
Stop asking and start helping
Executive goals are your goals
Stop playing victim and start showing empathy
Showcase expertise, grit, and rigor to reflect design skills and thought leadership
Follow through with what you said you were going to do
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