Student Question
Hello, Master. I was just promoted to deputy director of the office. In a few days, I’ll be riding with our organization’s senior leader to conduct an inspection at a lower-level unit. The drive will be about 50 minutes, and there will be a driver present.
What should I talk about with the leader during the ride? Beyond briefing him on the day’s arrangements, I was hoping to use this opportunity to discuss my performance over the past few months. But having the driver there makes it feel awkward.
Master Chi’s Response
When accompanying a leader on an inspection trip as a subordinate, even casual conversation should center on the leader. Do not take the initiative to raise topics — instead, elevate the leader. Follow wherever he leads the conversation.
Begin by briefing the leader on the day’s inspection and your preparations. After that, read his cues for everything else.
If the leader brings up a topic, follow his lead. If he does not initiate conversation, remain silent.
A leader sitting in a car may be deep in thought, or may simply need to rest. If you start chatting at that moment, you risk breaking his train of thought or disturbing his rest.
With the driver present, do not volunteer information about your work over the past few months unless the leader asks. Find a separate occasion to report to him privately — and ask for his guidance and instruction. That approach will yield far better results.