#CareerAdvice #MeetingWithCEO #WorkplaceDilemma
I got a calendar invite with no explanation, a meeting with my CEO and coworker who is not my boss technically but is above me in a similar role. I do have a manager but she’s not included in this call. 😱
## Feeling Out of the Loop
I have never had any meetings with or interacted with the CEO. I just started at this company 7 months ago and things seem to be going well. One of our coworkers went on maternity leave and she’s coming back this month, that’s the only thing I can think of. Could this be a soft firing? I work at a start up technically, so the CEO is very involved. 😨
### Understanding the Situation
Feeling left out and unsure of what this meeting could be about is a perfectly normal reaction. It’s important to keep an open mind and not jump to conclusions. This could be an opportunity for recognition of your hard work or for discussion of new projects or responsibilities.
### Taking Control
1. **Prepare Ahead of Time**: Make sure you are prepared for the meeting by understanding your recent achievements, current projects, and any challenges you are facing.
2. **Ask for Clarification**: If the meeting invite lacks context, it’s okay to reach out to the organizer and ask for more information. Understanding the purpose of the meeting can help alleviate anxiety.
3. **Stay Professional**: Regardless of the outcome, maintain professionalism and a positive attitude. Remember that this is an opportunity for growth and development, no matter the reason behind the meeting.
### Embracing the Unknown
Navigating uncertain situations at work can be intimidating, but it’s also a chance for growth and learning. Embrace the opportunity to meet with your CEO and colleague, and showcase your skills and dedication. Remember, every experience, whether positive or challenging, helps shape your career journey.
In conclusion, while receiving a meeting invite with unfamiliar participants can be unsettling, it’s essential to approach the situation with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn and adapt. By taking control of the narrative and preparing effectively, you can turn this potentially negative situation into a valuable learning experience. Stay proactive, professional, and open to new opportunities, and you will emerge stronger and more confident in your professional abilities. Good luck! 🚀
I actually think this could be a good thing; invites with no explanation don’t cross t’s or dot I’d when it comes to firing someone. Neither do meetings that don’t include your manager. Really, worst case is firing, but I would think it’s potentially good news. Be positive! 🙂
I had this happen to me… random meeting. I hit them up quickly right away on IM. She stated she would talk to me tomorrow; that’s it.
The next came around… with the CFO and HR. They laid me off. On the other hand, they gave me a $10k severance and paid a couple months of COBRA for me. A blessing in disguise.
Wouldn’t it be weird to have a ‘lay off’ meeting w/o your manager? Unless, she’s getting the chop too?
Or maybe it’s something about him/her?
Good news.
Fly high on your morning commute.
if its not the same day its _probably_ not a firing but no info about the meeting is sketch
Sounds like a “grass roots” check in , how’s everything going with the other associate out. I would be aware of my projects and any issues that could happen.
I had a random meeting pop on my schedule last Wednesday. I asked if this is good or not so good meeting. My manager called me and said “it’s a good meeting. Nothing to be scared about. I had a meeting with “George” earlier, too.
Phew…good deal.
Got on the virtual call and there is the V.P. and my manager. Um…ok. Then they start discussing all of my failings and how disappointed they are of me. And then they put me on a verbal warning. And then they said, “so, do you really want this role?” And I’m not going into right or wrong about any of it. But the meeting just said “Update”. Without notes or reasoning at all. And I didn’t really know how to respond.
So Monday, I talked to HR and said I made a mistake. I don’t fit into that department’s culture and if I could go back to a former role. They accepted my change request. And…they aren’t even taking back my pay from the promotion. So I will be getting paid higher than anyone in a very easy, non-demanding job.
So..it was not fun and uncomfortable. But, at the end of the day, I’m winning, in the way that is a success for me. And when the V.P. found out, he called me and I didn’t make accusations or excuses, I just told him, this culture doesn’t fit me. That’s not bad on you. I just don’t want you guys to have to have difficult conversations with someone. I want you to be successful for this company.
Good luck though! There is some weird bad MOJO going around with upper management recently. They’ve been acting different.
If it was me it’d be meaningless. Could be anything.
I know many startups won’t have a dedicated HR, but if the company has HR, this isn’t a bad news meeting.
hR will *always* be involved in bad news meetings
Idk but please give us an update. I don’t think it’s the “HR” ambush as people say. How big is your company?
Regardless please give us the update lol.
Check the calendars for HR people at your job. Sometimes they’ll have a private event at the same time slot
I think it’s a change in scope/responsibility i.e. a promotion or assigned onto a new project and the coworker is there to bootstrap you.
What is the title of the meeting invite? You are probably going to talk about your manager or be given a new assignment/promotion.
A mtg like this is usually a request or offer to fill in temporarily for your boss. Be prepared to say yes and also ask what would it take to make it permanent. Obviously be grateful for the opportunity hope all is ok with your boss.
Maybe they got names mixed up ?
It’s one of two things, you are being sacked/transferred from that department or your manager is getting the sack and they might be looking to promote someone up.
Sounds like good news. Possibly a promotion or temp promotion to replace the maternity. These meetings are there when they might think you can grow into some next roles.
I wouldn’t worry too much.
If it is hr and your boss and the invite is unexpected it’s often bad news. Total different story.
Can be anything. I saw meetings with our ex-CEO and random people because someone told him that random person knows XYZ and CEO was interested in XYZ at that time.
And too many people unfortunately put meetings without any agenda. I hate it. My new boss loves it.
Something similar happened to me and it was a layoff. Ambitious (same day) meeting invite with Mgr + CEO (who I never met with in my role). Had to sign the paperwork that day. Got a small severance and then I got unemployment + COBRA.
I would send an email asking if I can prepare anything for that meeting so it would be most valuable for them.
Now if they would respond with soulme round words – I would be worried.
Fidgeting until I get an update on this❗️
Show up to it like a G and face whatever it is good or bad,
This other person most likely got a promotion and you’re getting assigned to themz
This is good news most likely… the ceo probably isn’t firing people, especially if no one from hr is on the meeting
Sounds like your boss quit without notice or is getting fired.
Something like this happened to me! Most of my department was laid off after a huge acquisition! Got a good severance and an even better job a week later!
In the industry at this moment, layoffs are pretty likely, so I’d try be emotionally prepared for that outcome.
I’d send a question to the person who invited you.
“Hey, I just saw this meeting come up, what’s it roughly about, and should I prepare anything?”
How they answer will give you a signal if it’s a difficult meeting, or they just forgot to give you context.
You can also check their calendars. If there are a lot of short, similar meetings that day, it could be a round of layoffs.
On the positive side, maybe it’s good news.
One time I was working at a startup, and was there about 8 months. I had one week where everything seemed to go wrong. On Friday, I get a message from my boss asking if I’ve a few minutes and could I come downstairs. This was very unusual. I come downstairs to the meeting room and he’s sitting there with HR, and I go pale. The HR person could sense this and said “don’t worry, it’s good news” and I got a pay raise 😅
Probably your manager is leaving the company and the senior employee will replace her and you will report to them.
when’s the invite for? i need to know when to check back for updates lol
I would message now asking for more information and if you should / can bring someone with you as a representative. A union rep or a lawyer would be what I would allude to?
Too little info to read the situation. Too many unknowns. If you can , mine anyone lateral to those in the meeting for info.
Good luck…keep us posted
“So, what would you say you *do* here?”
In my experience, bad news will come out of nowhere. Only good news gives notice.
It can be anything, don’t overthink.
When is the meeting so I can come back for updates?
No matter the size of the org, the CEO doesn’t schedule meetings with employees they’ve never met just to fire them. This is almost surely a good thing, not necessarily a promotion etc, but almost certainly not a meeting just to fire you.
Years ago, at the start of a department meeting, I, a lowly tech was asked by a VP if I had a few minutes after the meeting to talk with them. Naturally I assumed the worst & was anxious the entire meeting. After the meeting he let me know a reorg was in the works which would create a manager position & asked if I wanted that role. I thought about it a couple days & said yes. No interview, job was never even posted. Was ~50% raise.
Hope it’s a good outcome for you!