by Shari Allison | May 7, 2013 | Concept development
It’s Thursday morning, you’re in the elevator, and the CEO skates between closing doors to join you for a 30-floor ride. You consider commenting on the unseasonably balmy weather, but inquire about her watch instead. You then exchange a series of jokes and, in perfect unison, toss your heads back in laughter. At the 25th floor, she insists that you join her in the company lounge for a bite to eat—she’d like to get to know you better. You take style points from Sandberg and lean in. Instant promotion. Real life: Silence. You exit the elevator with pit stains and wonder if she heard you swallow that burp. Sound familiar? You’re in good company—being trapped in a confined space with upper management is sure to send anyone into a tailspin. But, with some simple tactics on hand, you can navigate a terrifying situation with grace. Try on these life vests to avoid drowning like a conversation klutz. The Trader Joe Casual and approachable, Trader Joe’s employees are known for their infectious positivity. Whether it’s in the context of goat cheese or lentil breeds, they set a comfortable precedent because they don’t overthink simple human interactions. They wear contagious smiles above relaxed Hawaiian shirts, and they offer genuine inquiries that don’t overstay their word-exchange welcome. They just connect. And by channeling their easygoing grocer tude, you can do the same. You: “Hi! How’s your Wednesday going?” CEO: Good, and yours? You: “It’s going well, thanks. Just working on [whatever you’re working on] and getting some air. I don’t think we’ve met—I’m [first name, last name]. I work in [this department] with [your...
