Tell me about a time when you had to work hard to build a relationship with someone important. How would you approach a situation with a challenging stakeholder at Capacity?

Question Analysis

This question is a behavioral question that seeks to assess your interpersonal skills, particularly in building relationships with key stakeholders. The interviewer is likely interested in understanding how you handle complex interpersonal dynamics, your problem-solving abilities, and your emotional intelligence. The question is twofold: it asks for a specific past experience and how you would handle a hypothetical situation. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is an effective way to structure your response.

Answer

Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I was tasked with leading a cross-functional team on a high-stakes project. One of the key stakeholders, the head of marketing, was initially resistant to the project due to conflicting priorities and a lack of understanding of the project's potential impact on their department.

Task: My objective was to build a strong working relationship with this stakeholder to ensure their support and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle.

Action: I initiated a series of one-on-one meetings with the head of marketing to better understand their concerns and objectives. I actively listened and empathized with their perspective, which helped in identifying common goals. I also made a concerted effort to communicate the project's benefits in a way that aligned with their departmental objectives. Additionally, I engaged them in decision-making processes to ensure they felt their input was valued and respected.

Result: Over time, the relationship improved significantly. The head of marketing became an advocate for the project, which facilitated smoother collaboration among our teams. This ultimately led to a successful project completion that met the objectives of all departments involved.

Approach to a Challenging Stakeholder: When faced with a challenging stakeholder at Capacity, I would:

• Engage in Active Listening: Make a deliberate effort to understand their perspective and concerns by listening attentively.
• Find Common Ground: Identify shared goals or interests to establish a foundation for collaboration.
• Communicate Effectively: Tailor my communication style to resonate with their preferences, ensuring clarity and transparency.
• Involve Them in the Process: Encourage their involvement in decision-making to build trust and buy-in.
• Follow Up Regularly: Maintain open lines of communication with regular updates and check-ins to address any emerging issues promptly.

This approach fosters mutual respect and can transform challenging relationships into productive partnerships.