Managing up Executive Communication ~Part 6

This is Part 6 of the Executive Communication Series. Check out Part 1 , Part 2, Part 3, Part 4 & Part 5 for the complete framework.

Most executives don't fit neatly into one archetype—they're hybrids. You may also find different archetypes in different people in the same room. And understanding these combinations is where your communication strategy gets sophisticated.

Here's how to navigate the most common hybrid type in executive communciaiton:

Analyst + operator [The Analytical Executor]

Why this combination works: Analytical strategy meets relentless execution. These leaders excel at creating sophisticated "how-to" game plans and driving them to completion with discipline.

The communication challenge: There is oscillation between wanting to design the strategic approach and needing to see immediate execution progress. You must be ready to shift gears—sometimes mid-conversation—from discussing methodology to showing what's actually done.

Here are a few tips to communicate well with this combination

• Early-stage discussions (idea/project inception): Lead with your models/process/analysis.

• Lead with the current status if you are in execution.

• Have backup slides.

• Be on top of details.

Example: Our transformation roadmap follows a crawl-walk-run methodology with clear gates between phases to de-risk execution [Analyst strategic how-to]. We've completed the crawl phase—migrated 3 systems to cloud and trained 200 users with 95% adoption [Operator progress delivered]. Here's the analytical framework for the walk phase, the risk mitigation plan, and what we need to proceed

Analyst + Visionary [The Analytical Dreamer]

Why this combination works: Combines rigorous analytical thinking with inspirational, transformational vision. Rare but powerful.

The communication challenge: One side craves data and logic; the other craves meaning and possibility. You need to speak both languages fluently.

How to Communicate Effectively:

• Structure your narrative carefully: Open with vision(short) and signal the shift to process/analysis:

• Be ready to code-switch across archetypes.

• Respect different decision timelines: Visionaries decide quickly. Analysts need processing time.

  
  

Example: "Imagine if we could democratise access to this service for 10 million underserved customers [Visionary]. Here's the competitive landscape analysis that shows this white space is real and defensible [Analyst]..."

Visionary + Conductor [The people centred transformer]

Why this combination works: Both archetypes are deeply people-focused—one through inspiration and culture, the other through relationships and collaboration.

The sweet spot here is the high tolerance for each other's styles that creates an inclusive, emotionally intelligent environment.

How to Communicate Effectively:

• Play to shared values:

  • Lead with people impact

  • Connect to purpose and relationships

  • Demonstrate inclusivity

• Complement their blind spot:

  • Both may undervalue execution details—you provide that rigor.

  • Both may skip data discipline—you bring evidence to support the vision.

  • Come prepared with the tactical "how" while honoring their focus on "why" and "who"

Example opening: "We have an opportunity to redesign how we work in a way that unlocks innovation and accelerates decision-making [Visionary]. I've partnered with leaders from Product, Engineering, and Sales—each has shared concerns about the current structure and contributed ideas for the new model [Conductor]. Here's what we've designed together, and I'd value your input on the transition plan, especially how we support people through this change..."

#coaching #executivecoaching #executivecommunication #managingup

Stay tuned for the other combinations & conflicting archetypes in the next blog!