Can you recount a situation where you had trouble connecting with someone crucial and how you finally succeeded in building a relationship? In the context of Salesforce, how would you approach building a relationship with a difficult stakeholder?

Question Analysis

The question is a behavioral question that seeks to understand your interpersonal and relationship-building skills, particularly in challenging situations. It requires you to recount a past experience where you faced difficulties in connecting with someone important and how you eventually succeeded. Additionally, it asks for a strategy to build a relationship with a difficult stakeholder within the context of Salesforce, which implies understanding both interpersonal dynamics and the specific business environment.

Answer

To effectively answer this question, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result):

Situation:
In my previous role as a project manager, I was tasked with leading a cross-departmental initiative that required close collaboration with the head of sales, who was initially uncooperative and resistant to change.

Task:
My objective was to build a productive working relationship with this stakeholder to ensure the success of the project, which was pivotal for the company's strategic goals.

Action:

• Understanding Perspective: I scheduled a one-on-one meeting to understand his concerns and priorities. I listened actively and acknowledged his viewpoint.
• Aligning Goals: I demonstrated how the project aligned with his department’s objectives and emphasized mutual benefits.
• Frequent Communication: I maintained regular communication through updates and sought his input to make him feel involved in decision-making.
• Building Trust: I followed through on my commitments and provided quick responses to his queries to build trust.

Result:
Over time, the stakeholder became more engaged and supportive of the project. We successfully completed the initiative, which led to a 20% increase in sales efficiency.

In the Context of Salesforce:
To build a relationship with a difficult stakeholder in Salesforce, I would:

• Research and Understand: Begin by understanding their role, challenges, and objectives within Salesforce.
• Personalize Communication: Use Salesforce tools to tailor communications and interactions based on their preferences and needs.
• Demonstrate Value: Show how Salesforce solutions can specifically address their pain points and contribute to their success.
• Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration by involving them in pilot projects or decision-making processes to ensure their voice is heard.
• Build Trust: Consistently deliver on promises and provide measurable results to build credibility and trust.

This approach not only facilitates a strong relationship but also drives mutual success within the Salesforce ecosystem.