Dinner with the big cheese next week

Submitted by Lisa Hughes
in
Career Management

Hi All

I'm a manager in Finance in the EMEA division of a global corporation.  I have worked at the company for four years now, and have been promoted once from my initial point of hire.

I received  a dinner invitation with 12 others from around Europe team to a dinner next week with the global CFO.   The explanation I have received from my boss' boss (EMEA CFO) for the invitation is that "he wants to get the right people in front of the CFO". 

I am already working myself into a flat panic about this, and the dinner is a week away.  My questions are probably really silly, but:

1)  The dinner is scheduled to start at 6.30pm - so straight from the office.  Is it acceptable to attend in my work attire?  Being an accountant, this is a suit, so pretty smart.  Or should I change clothes first?

2)  Outside of office hours, I am not your stereotypical accountant.  I had my kids really young and qualified as an accountant while working.  I ride a motorcycle.  I have several tattoos which I keep covered during office hours.  All this means I'm a pretty colourful character.  Do I rein it in, or do I just be myself?

3)  How do I not panic and burble when I meet the CFO (who is a total heroine of mine)?

4)  Of course the biggest question I have is why have I been included in this dinner, but I suspect I will only find that out after the event.

Any and all advice gratefully received!

Bikegirl 

 

Submitted by Josef Oduwo on Monday September 26th, 2011 7:09 pm

1. Go with the suit - it doesn't hurt to look the part.

2. Rein it in, until you know more about what the CFO is really like. That said, do not pretend to be someone you are not. It is far better and easier to be your real self.

3. Imagine that she was once where you are now.

4. Try not to overthink your boss' boss explanation (that he "wants to get the right people in front of the CFO"). Take it at face value.
 
5. At dinner, stay away from the soup. It almost always splashes somewhere you do not notice until it is too late...
Good luck!

Submitted by Mary D. on Monday September 26th, 2011 9:17 pm

Couple more thoughts
1) Suit is safe.
2)  Be conversant but reserved. A "get to know dinner" is a bit different than a "learn it all dinner." Have some basic info about yourself, family, experiences, job triumphs in the back of your mind. Tattos can wait.
3) Relax. Recently was in a similar situation where a colleague came in all wound up, developed serious diahhera of the mouth, and uncomfortably dominated the conversation. The person will probably not be remembered for the right reasons.
4) Don't sweat it. It is a good  "problem" to have.
Smile. Get to know your other dinner mates.Treat to waitstaff with utter and complete appreciation.

Submitted by John Hack on Tuesday September 27th, 2011 12:02 pm

 Don't forget the meal podcasts, two two-part podcasts, filled with great info. 
http://www.manager-tools.com/2006/09/meal-etiquette-part-1-of-2
http://www.manager-tools.com/2008/04/meal-interviews-part-1-of-2
 
It's a business meeting.  Business attire is appropriate (this is covered in the podcasts).  It's not time to "let the real you break out" but rather for you to show how you can be both social and professional at the same time. 
Be ready to discuss current events and other small talk.  You should be prepared to talk about your team's goals and performance.  And have questions ready about how your team can help her achieve her goals:  what are her group goals, what are the key initiatives her group is leading, and how does your team fit into that?    
And yes, don't get stressed.  Be professional and polite, and enjoy yourself. 
John Hack