My first instinct was to talk about damage control but I think that's the wrong frame.
Acknowledge the misalignment calmly, seek to understand the CEO's expectations by asking clarifying questions, and then pivot to a collaborative discussion on how to align the presentation with their vision. Emphasize your adaptability and focus on the shared goal of a successful product release.
Pro tip: Show that you can manage up by framing the misalignment as an opportunity to incorporate the CEO's strategic perspective, turning a potential conflict into a collaborative alignment session.
Pause, thank the CEO for their feedback, and acknowledge the misalignment without becoming defensive. This shows emotional intelligence and respect.
Ask clarifying questions to uncover the CEO's expectations and underlying concerns. For example, 'Could you share more about what you were expecting to see?'
Reiterate the shared goal of a successful product release and propose a quick realignment. For instance, 'Let's ensure we're aligned on the key messages for the release.'
Offer to adjust the presentation on the spot or schedule a follow-up, involving the CEO's input. This demonstrates flexibility and a solutions-oriented mindset.
After the meeting, send a revised presentation or summary that incorporates the CEO's feedback, and confirm alignment to prevent future miscommunications.
AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.