Your manager intimidates you more than their actual standards do. Here’s what they’re really looking for.
Everyone who’s walked into a room with someone way more senior has felt it. Yes, me too. I know that’s hard to believe.
Here’s the reframe: senior leaders aren’t grading you on perfection.
They’re checking three things. Are you clear. Do you have a point of view. Are you wasting their time.
Their status intimidates you more than their standards ever will.
They were junior once. They remember exactly what that felt like. Nobody up there is hunting for flawless.
They’re listening for someone with something worth hearing.