What is your strategy for earning the trust of your peers and stakeholders at SAP Concur? Can you discuss methods that have proven effective for you in the past?

Question Analysis

This question seeks to understand your approach to building trust within a professional setting, specifically at SAP Concur. The interviewer is interested in your strategy and past experiences that demonstrate your ability to earn trust from peers and stakeholders. This is a behavioral question, so applying the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method can help structure your response effectively.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager at a technology company, I was tasked with leading a cross-functional team to implement a new software solution that impacted multiple departments.

Task: My goal was to ensure the successful implementation of the software while fostering a collaborative environment, gaining trust from both my team and the various stakeholders involved in the project.

Action:

• Transparency: I made it a priority to communicate openly about project goals, timelines, and any challenges that arose. Regular updates were shared through emails and weekly meetings to keep everyone informed.
• Active Listening: I engaged with team members and stakeholders to understand their concerns and perspectives. This involved one-on-one meetings where I encouraged open dialogue and feedback.
• Consistency: I consistently followed through on commitments, ensuring that any promises made were fulfilled. This helped build a reputation for reliability.
• Empowerment: By delegating tasks appropriately and trusting team members with responsibilities, I empowered them to take ownership of their contributions to the project.

Result: As a result of these efforts, the project was completed on time and received positive feedback from all departments involved. The trust built during this process led to stronger working relationships and set a foundation for future collaborative projects.

In a similar environment at SAP Concur, I would apply these methods to earn trust by being transparent, actively listening to the needs of my colleagues and stakeholders, consistently meeting commitments, and empowering team members to succeed.