Here's how you can foster robust stakeholder relationships through collaboration.

It is critical to understand business needs and the core problem to solve when prioritizing strategic digital efforts. Work with key stakeholders to ask "Why?" to get at the root of an issue. Utilize collaboration sessions to brainstorm, starting with the problem, then working towards design and solutioning. Not only are you then able to realize real change in operations but also lay the groundwork for further successful collaboration.

To foster robust stakeholder relationships, start by deeply understanding their needs and expectations. Conduct thorough stakeholder analysis to identify key individuals and their interests. Engage in regular, open dialogues to gather insights into their goals, concerns, and priorities. Active listening is crucial; it helps build trust and shows stakeholders that their input is valued. By aligning your strategy with their needs, you can ensure that your collaborative efforts are targeted and effective, leading to more successful outcomes.

Understanding business needs with a balance between the interests of the company's strategy and the needs of the end customer (the persona/user) are key elements. Obviously, each scenario will allow you or not to use some tools and approaches to support such mapping, such as Design Thinking, for example. However, we must have the ability to question the strategy (of the company), function (for the client) and results (for the business and client), so that with these capabilities combined we can have more purposeful insights

Understanding stakeholder needs is key to building strong relationships. Active listening and empathetic communication help you grasp what stakeholders value most, guiding your efforts to address their priorities effectively. Continuous engagement and transparent communication foster a sense of ownership and commitment. Involving stakeholders in decision-making validates their concerns and encourages investment in shared goals. Leveraging data-driven insights can anticipate needs and proactively address issues. This approach creates a collaborative environment where stakeholders feel valued, driving organizational growth and innovation.

Here's how to set realistic expectations for collaboration: Be upfront about project goals, timelines, and resource limitations. Discuss potential challenges with stakeholders and involve them in setting achievable milestones. This fosters trust and avoids misunderstandings later. Maintain open communication throughout the project. Regularly update on progress, address concerns promptly, and communicate any adjustments needed to meet goals. Discuss potential changes or additions with stakeholders clearly. Outline the impact on timelines, resources, or deliverables. This ensures everyone is aligned on priorities. Celebrate progress, not just the final accomplishment. This reinforces a collaboration and strengthens stakeholder relationships.

Building robust stakeholder relationships through collaboration hinges on clear communication and trust. Then try to clearly articulate your digital strategy’s objectives and explain each stakeholder’s role in achieving them. So ensure everyone understands the timelines, deliverables, and success metrics. Regular updates and open feedback channels are essential to maintain transparency and prevent misunderstandings. Foster a sense of shared responsibility by recognising contributions and addressing concerns promptly. This collaborative approach not only aligns stakeholders with your vision but also drives collective success, turning your strategy into a shared journey.

Set clear, achievable expectations. Be specific: Outline goals, deadlines, quality. Ensures alignment. Be realistic: Ensure expectations are achievable. Avoid frustrating goals. Involve stakeholders: Active involvement aligns objectives, creates realistic expectations. Maintain consistency: It is essential to apply expectations consistently across all stakeholders. This ensures fairness and avoids confusion. Provide feedback: Regularly positive and constructive feedback to stakeholders to ensure they are meeting expectations. Effective expectation setting is critical for robust stakeholder relationships.

Don't set unrealistic expectations with the stakeholders, because when you are not able to achieve those, it shakes their trust in you which is not good for a long term robust relationship. Be realistic and work hard to achieve what you have committed.

Setting expectations is the second and most important parameter in efficient stakeholder management. While setting the expectation we should have hands on experience on the problem statement with facts on why this problem first assises. The expectations and ask has to be realistic and simple to understand with clear cut KPI that can be measured.

Stakeholders engagement is crucial for a project's success. Assign them specific tasks or roles within the project that leverage their expertise. This empowers them to contribute directly and creates a sense of ownership over the project's success. Promote a culture of mentorship. Stakeholders can offer valuable insights based on their experience, while you can provide them with updates and opportunities to learn new skills. Utilize collaboration tools like online platforms or project management software, to facilitate communication, document sharing, and task allocation. Recognize and appreciate stakeholder contributions - their ideas, insights, and dedication. This fosters a sense of value and encourages continued engagement.

It is key to understand that when stakeholders feel heard and appreciated, their commitment to the project's success deepens, driving more meaningful and sustained collaboration.

Como equipo, todos los miembros han de ser proactivos, estableciéndose una comunicación fluida, donde cada opinión sea escuchada y valorada, por insignificante que pueda parecer, y que ayudará a potenciar el sentimiento de pertenencia del grupo en el proyecto

La mejor forma de comprometerte con un proyecto es cuando te apropias de él, y esto sucede cuando dejas algo de ti en él, una contribución que te hace sentir parte integral del proceso. Por eso es fundamental crear espacios donde todo el equipo pueda hacer su aportación única y significativa. Cuando cada miembro siente que su contribución es valorada y tiene un impacto, el compromiso y la motivación aumentan, llevando el proyecto al siguiente nivel.

Leveraging technology can streamline collaboration and keep stakeholders connected. Utilize digital tools like project management software and communication platforms to facilitate real-time updates, document sharing, and virtual meetings. These technologies enable efficient workflows and ensure stakeholders have constant access to project information, crucial for maintaining engagement and momentum. Embracing these tools not only enhances transparency but also fosters a sense of inclusivity and responsiveness. By integrating technology into your collaboration strategy, you can build stronger, more agile relationships that drive innovation and achieve project goals effectively.

An example I have seen in my current company is use of azure tickets for tracking the progress of any given activity or any specified task. This tech intervention really streamlines the progress on effective task and work communication while tracking the task progress more effectively

En un mundo donde hasta tu abuela tiene smartphone, aprovechar la tecnología para agilizar la colaboración es de sentido común. Con herramientas digitales como software de gestión de proyectos y plataformas de comunicación, puedes facilitar actualizaciones en tiempo real, intercambiar documentos y hacer reuniones virtuales sin que nadie tenga que quitarse el pijama. Estas maravillas tech permiten flujos de trabajo más eficientes y aseguran que todos los interesados estén al tanto de la información del proyecto. Así, el compromiso y el impulso se mantienen vivos y coleando, como tu conexión Wi-Fi.

La tecnología nos ayuda en agilizar la colaboración y mantener conectadas a toda las partes interesadas. Actualmente existen herramientas digitales que nos permiten ser más ágiles, así como plataformas para estar constantemente actualizados al ultimo instante, lo cual fomenta un amplio sentido de inclusión y una capacidad de respuesta inmediata ante cualquier circunstancia, lo cual es fundamental para mantener el compromiso.

Como directora de una agencia de marketing, he aprendido que las herramientas digitales son cruciales para nuestro éxito. Hemos probado prácticamente todas las plataformas y softwares disponibles, y lo que siempre funciona mejor es que la información fluya a todos los niveles de la organización. Cuando la información está al alcance de todos, de manera ordenada y clara, el trabajo fluye mucho mejor. Además, con la llegada de la AI, nuestros procesos se han vuelto mucho más eficientes. La AI nos ayuda a generar minutas, resúmenes y reportes de manera rápida y precisa, lo que nos permite enfocarnos en las estrategias creativas y en la ejecución efectiva de nuestras campañas.

Resolving conflicts with customers effectively involves several steps. Here are some best practices: 1) Active Listening: Show empathy and genuine interest in solving the problem. 2)Recognize the Problem: Validate the customer's feelings and acknowledge that the issue is important to them. 3)Maintain Calm and Professionalism: Don't take criticism personally. 4)Investigate the Problem: Ask clear, specific questions to clarify any points of doubt. 5)Offer Solutions: Ask the customer which solution they prefer, giving them a sense of control over the situation. 6) Act Quickly: Implement your chosen solution as quickly as possible. 7)Follow up after resolution: Be available to resolve any remaining issues.

Los conflictos son como las objeciones, siempre están ahí presentes, y no debemos de verlos como unos frenos o limitaciones, sino todo lo contrario, como oportunidades para poder mejorar las situaciones, y encontrar puntos comunes que favorezcan la consecución del proyecto de manera exitosa

El conflicto es tan inevitable en la colaboración como los "cuñados" en las cenas navideñas. Sin embargo, no tiene que descarrilar tu estrategia digital. Abordar los conflictos como oportunidades de mejora es clave. Establece procesos claros para manejar desacuerdos y enfócate en soluciones que se alineen con los objetivos del proyecto. Gestionar conflictos de forma constructiva no solo demuestra liderazgo, sino también un compromiso con el éxito del proyecto, fortaleciendo las relaciones con las partes interesadas. Recuerda, un buen líder sabe que hasta en el caos se puede encontrar orden.

Conflict resolution is one of the toughest skill to crack. Some people have this naturally and some leaders takes years of training to achieve this particular skill. For effective conflict resolution it's very critical for leaders or managers to be good listeners and have to showcase a good amount of emotional intelligence and empathy to understand other point of views from different stakeholders to avoid or resolve the conflict. In my personal opinion we should respect and acknowledge all point of views for getting closer to a concrete solution for the problem statement in hand

Muchas veces perdemos de vista lo importante que es reconocer o celebrar un buen trabajo, una simple palabra o un detalle por pequeño que sea puede cambiar el enfoque del equipo por un tiempo.

With each delivery made, a celebration ritual can be carried out, whether with a happy hour, or an engagement meeting in a scape room, generating connection between those involved and ensuring that fun moments exist between the teams.

Celebrar éxitos, ya sean minúsculos o titánicos, es el pegamento que mantiene unidas las relaciones con las partes interesadas. Reconocer las aportaciones individuales y colectivas a los hitos del proyecto no solo sube la moral, sino que también refuerza el valor de la colaboración. Estas fiestas no son solo para sentirse bien, sino que solidifican la asociación y establecen un tono positivo para futuros esfuerzos conjuntos. Así que, ya sabes, saca el confeti y el champán, porque cada logro merece su momento de gloria. ¡Salud por los triunfos y por los que están por venir!

1. Map and learn. Listen much more than speak. It’s important to understand needs and interests of your stakeholders early on; 2. Communicate openly and regularly. Stay transparent in sharing what you need from stakeholders while keeping clear how this correlates with their interests; 3. Share success. It’s important to give credit for support and create space for appreciation of all the contributions made by the teams; 4. Own the challenge. It’s your project, so have courage to own the hardships coming along the way, and ask for support while retaining ultimate responsibility for the result. 5. Stay human. Connect and avoid transactional relationships.

Once I have been told that it’s important to ‘ map the stakeholders, yes exactly the same as you map the pros and cons of a project or the options or the sub task when dealing with a product launch! Stakeholder mapping is a strategic tool that can provide a clear understanding of the stakeholders involved, their interests, the their influence. For example, this tool, allows managers to visualize the relantionship and dynamics between the different stakeholders and ensuring the right ones are involved at the right times. It increases buy- in and support and if stakeholder map is done properly, even during critical and challenging times, organizations can navigate them more successfully.