An executive is typically very time poor and just does not have the time to engage at the level of detail that you will need to get the answers that you are seeking.
At the same time, their support to engage with those in their division can make or break the cooperation that you get from the staff that you need to speak with. Because of this, it can be really helpful to have some kind of meeting with them ahead of your engagement process, so that the exec can communicate to their staff their support of the work that you are doing.
This can save you from being made to justify you seeking out their time every time you set a meeting or send an email.
Agree 100% - this is so true!
An executive is typically very time poor and just does not have the time to engage at the level of detail that you will need to get the answers that you are seeking.
At the same time, their support to engage with those in their division can make or break the cooperation that you get from the staff that you need to speak with. Because of this, it can be really helpful to have some kind of meeting with them ahead of your engagement process, so that the exec can communicate to their staff their support of the work that you are doing.
This can save you from being made to justify you seeking out their time every time you set a meeting or send an email.