Managing a challenging senior executive requires professionalism & confidence. First, identify the root cause of their behavior - whether it’s conflicting schedule resulting them in being preoccupied, or misaligned expectations. Addressing their concerns with authority & empathy demonstrates strong leadership - even if a full resolution isn’t possible, your willingness to help builds respect. Engage their expertise by inviting them to share insights or lead a segment, giving them a sense of ownership. Set clear boundaries and remind them of the session’s goals. Pair them with peers to foster accountability and collaboration, ensuring they remain engaged and aligned with the training flow while respecting the group’s learning process.

📌 Here are three key points: 🎯Stay Confident & Composed: • Maintain your confidence by staying calm & composed, even if the executive challenges your points. • Confidence in your subject matter will signal authority, & a composed demeanor shows professionalism & respect. 🎯Your Points with Data: • Support your training content with data, case studies & proven results. • Senior executives often respond well to facts & concrete eg., so showing how your expertise delivers real outcomes can establish credibility. 🎯Engage in Dialogue, Not Debate: • Encourage questions and feedback from the executive, framing it as a constructive discussion rather than a confrontation.

Acknowledge Their Experience Start by recognizing their seniority and expertise. This helps establish respect and positions you as someone who values their contributions. For example: "I appreciate your extensive experience in this area. It adds a valuable perspective to the session." 2. Stay Calm and Composed If the executive challenges your authority or knowledge, stay composed. A calm demeanor conveys confidence. Listen carefully to their points before responding without appearing defensive or flustered.

When training a challenging senior executive, asserting your expertise is essential for a successful session. Start by thoroughly preparing your material and anticipating potential questions, which will showcase your knowledge. During the session, maintain a confident yet respectful demeanor; acknowledge their experience while gently steering the conversation to align with your training objectives. Use data and examples to support your points, demonstrating that your insights are grounded in evidence. Encourage open dialogue, inviting their input while guiding discussions back to the training goals. By balancing respect with authority, you can create a productive environment that benefits everyone involved.

When dealing with a challenging senior executive in a training session, I would assert my expertise by remaining calm, confident, and respectful, while clearly outlining the session's objectives and value. I’d engage them by acknowledging their experience, encouraging participation, and framing discussions around shared outcomes. Providing evidence-based insights and staying focused on the session's agenda would reinforce my authority without undermining their status.