How can you build and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders in your organization?

In my experience, it is important for the CSuite to get along well, hang out together and understand each other's perspectives and challenges. So identify your key people from the top to atleast two levels down and start with cross functional trainings. I used to do this trainings once every quarter and it is a massive confidence booster. Top down approach works.

The best of ideas in the room shall find no takers if the rapport and camaraderie are missing with key stakeholders. Different ideas and personalities must be accommodated to build trust and move the needle on important projects. Interpersonal skills are required to achieve this.

The only way to do this is by scheduling intense hald day brainstorming sessions with CSuite peers and Group Heads once every quarter. Not monthly but quarterly. Bifurcate that discussion into 4 parts- (1) what are the annual goals to revisit (2) clearly defining the challenges (3) what will help overcome those challenges (4) what if there are any other challenges that cant be solved in short term and what is the business impact. Then what has worked with me is inviting go out for lunch or dinner together. That ensures to bring in emotion into the mechanical life.

This is perhaps the most important. Asking open ended questions is equally important as asking precise subjective questions. Senior leaders must get communication trainings organized consistently and measure what teams are learning and how are they improving. Else it becomes another social media post for the organization. We dont need to shout out to the world that "look we are building a culture by this ONE training that we got done for our people". Instead, have those trainings consistent and feel the difference in how your people feel belonged even more to the organizational vision and goals. Thats because, we 'actually' help them become better version of themselves.

Be responsive to stakeholder inquiries, concerns, and requests in a timely manner. Make yourself accessible and approachable. Celebrate successes and milestones achieved through collaborative efforts with stakeholders. Acknowledge their contributions and recognize their role in driving positive outcomes for the brand and the organization. Regularly seek feedback from stakeholders on your performance, communication strategies, and the effectiveness of brand initiatives. Use this feedback to make improvements and strengthen your relationships over time. Address conflicts or disagreements with stakeholders in a constructive and respectful manner. Focus on finding mutually beneficial solutions and maintaining positive relationships.

Acknowledge the contributions and achievements of stakeholders. This doesn’t always have to be through formal rewards; often, a sincere thank you or public acknowledgment can be very effective. Recognizing stakeholders’ efforts strengthens relationships and encourages continued support and engagement.