How to make meetings with executives most useful:
i) For projects in early stages, use the time to align on the problem statement/goal and ask any related tough clarification questions
ii) For projects in execution, create simple docs/slides that share progress toward ETAs and bring forth all the hairiest disagreements and decisions the working team is facing (without throwing peers/partner teams under the bus).
How to mess things up:
i) Not demonstrating urgency/speed
ii) Covering up misalignment within the working team
iii) Attempting to impress the room with beautiful presentations vs. prioritizing discussions on hard questions and outcomes (any celebration of progress happens best when it ensues vs. when it is being pursued)
