Working abroad at clients site

[Vyse]

So am currently a few days into my 2 week stint of working abroad for my companies client. Most of my interaction is with the staff lower down the food chain. When it comes to leaving should I have a farewell chat with the CEO? I had a few minute, actually seconds chat with him when I arrived, he mainly talked to my manager rather than me. Or should I not bother? Ditto for the middle management, I've only had brief encounters with them so far.

Thanks

[rog007]

There's nothing wrong in being polite. Have you got any valuable insights to share with him to make it meaningful? And it's also good networking practice too. Do it!

[PorkInsider]

I suppose it depends on what you're there to do and the specific circumstances.

Are you working alone or alongside one of the client's people?

Do you have a specific contact who's looking after you while you're on site?

When I'm on client sites whether UK or abroad, I tend to make the initial visit with someone else from the client company who will also be a visitor to that site (pan-company projects usually), then possibly spend the rest of the time with other less senior staff.

On leaving at the end of the stint if the 'sponsor' isn't there, I'll just say my goodbyes and leave then have a catchup call with whoever is running the project later.

If in your case the CEO is the guy who's brought your company in and he's on site, aware you're there and you're the most senior person on site from your company, then I'd definitely at least want a couple of minutes with him when you leave.

That's purely out of courtesy given that he's paying the invoice and will probably be interested to know how it's going/gone.

For context, I do business process consulting, in the main.

[Troubleatmill]

Make a point of having 10 minutes with the CEO.


His time is valuable.

And it is always good to give him good feedback on his team.


Keep it short. Business like.

Thank him - and his team for their involvement and support.

Then leave. He has bigger things to worry about.

[Matt Harper]

To the head honcho, you are obviously a mildly irritating and quite valueless peon. You could try throwing yourself at his feet - otherwise, just complete the job to the best of your ability and collect the cheque. Leverage your value when the results of your work are having some impact, rather than at the "Who the fk is this guy?" phase.

[Countdown]

Vyse said:

So am currently a few days into my 2 week stint of working abroad for my companies client. Most of my interaction is with the staff lower down the food chain. When it comes to leaving should I have a farewell chat with the CEO? I had a few minute, actually seconds chat with him when I arrived, he mainly talked to my manager rather than me. Or should I not bother? Ditto for the middle management, I've only had brief encounters with them so far.

Thanks

I'm curious as to WHY you would want to meet the CEO. Is it for his benefit or yours? Is there something really important that you need to share with him or is it just professional courtesy?

[Cyder]

I think we need the context of the size of the place you're working at and the type of job you're doing before we can judge whether it's a good idea or not.

[Vyse]

Basically I work in the lab with the staff of the clients company. As the company isn't huge (30 people) the CEO was the guy that sorted out my accommodation for me and wl also be paying for my expenses. Of course I'll say my thanks to the people I spent most my time with over here and the department manager as she helped me settle into the place. Not sure how far up I should be going.