7 things your CEO won’t tell you about HR, but wishes you knew

You don’t have to dumb down your language, but at least connect with employees and C-suite execs using more plain-speak. For instance, don’t say “value-added,” Segal advises. “We have our own language, but when we’re in the boardroom, we need to tone it down a bit.” Segal also says to avoid using “proactive,” “synergy” and “outside-the-box.” Rather, “just put the box away. We do much better at the table when we use plain speak.”

We all remember the Thanksgiving when we move from the “kids” table to the “adult” table. Segal says that when pros ask to be at the big meeting, they’re implying that their current position is at the kids’ table. Rather than asking, he says, demonstrate why you should be there and ask when the meeting starts. “There are times when you have to make the choice between the discomfort of being excluded or the discomfort of not being wanted, but still going in the room.” He suggests raising the topic by saying, “‘I saw this meeting; it’s a critical issue and I’d like to be there. What time does it begin?’ It’s hard for someone to say no to that.”