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 Act-On, how would you approach building a relationship with a difficult stakeholder?

Question Analysis

This is a two-part behavioral question focused on relationship-building skills and conflict resolution. The interviewer is interested in understanding your ability to connect with important individuals, especially when initial attempts are challenging. The first part asks you to recount a past experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result), while the second part is hypothetical, asking how you would apply similar skills in the context of Act-On, which likely involves managing relationships with challenging stakeholders within that organization.

Answer

Situation: In a previous role, I was tasked with leading a cross-departmental project that required collaboration with the IT department. Initially, I struggled to connect with the IT manager, who was crucial for the project’s success due to their technical expertise and control over necessary resources.

Task: My task was to build a strong working relationship with the IT manager to ensure that the project could move forward smoothly and meet its deadlines.

Action: Understanding the importance of mutual respect and empathy, I first sought to understand the IT manager's perspective by scheduling a one-on-one meeting to discuss their priorities and challenges. I actively listened and expressed genuine interest in their concerns. I also shared the project’s objectives and how their contributions were vital to its success. To build trust, I consistently followed up on our discussions by providing updates and incorporating their feedback into project plans, showing that I valued their input.

Result: Over time, the IT manager became more engaged and proactive in our meetings, contributing valuable insights that improved the project’s outcomes. We developed a strong professional relationship that facilitated smoother collaboration, not just for this project but for future initiatives as well.

In the context of Act-On: To build a relationship with a difficult stakeholder at Act-On, I would first invest time in understanding their perspective, priorities, and concerns through open communication and active listening. I would aim to find common ground and align our objectives to demonstrate how collaboration could be mutually beneficial. By maintaining transparency, respecting their expertise, and delivering on promises, I would work to earn their trust and foster a cooperative environment.