I would like to begin by expressing my sincere apologies for the lack of professionalism shown to DS on his final day at the office. The overall tone of the interaction was disappointing, and I was personally disheartened by the lack of respect shown to him.
In particular, I was concerned by the disjointed and unclear remarks made by both our CPO and Sean.
One comment, in particular, stood out: “It doesn’t matter which of the C-suite people you report to, as long as it’s a C-suite of the many Cs we have one that is C, we will get the job done.” This statement appeared to confuse Jonathan and others in the room, leading to a level of bewilderment and discomfort among the audience. Several people even remarked, “This is HP DEI in action.”
This moment highlighted a significant communication breakdown, and I believe it would be beneficial for Jonathan and Sean to schedule another AEM session in the near future. This would provide an opportunity to rebuild confidence and demonstrate that they are capable and effective leaders.
As someone who has been with HP for many years, I can honestly say that this was one of the most challenging senior leadership engagements I have ever witnessed. The lack of preparation and clarity was evident and, at times, it felt as though the individuals involved were struggling to present themselves as credible leaders of a major corporation.
To ensure future engagements are more effective and professional, I would like to offer the following recommendations:
- Dress appropriately for the office environment rather than a casual setting.
- Take the time to fully understand the topic being discussed.
- If recognizing a retiring employee, ensure you are aware of their tenure with the company.
- Show genuine interest in the matter at hand, rather than appearing disengaged.
- Rehearse your key points to avoid stumbling and ensure clarity.
- Sean, it would be beneficial for you to familiarize yourself with the business and the topics you are addressing. The delivery came across as unprepared and uncertain.
- Jonathan, while your background in finance is valuable, it is essential to demonstrate a broader understanding of the business, especially in your leadership role.
Having worked in communications for many years, I would rate this session as a failure in terms of professional delivery. When considering the DEI leadership team’s combined years of experience at HP—totaling just three years—it becomes evident that there is room for growth in terms of leadership development and presentation.
I hope this feedback is received constructively, and I believe these adjustments will go a long way in strengthening the effectiveness of our leadership communications in the future.