Chapter 6 - Building a Relationship

Question 1

What is the cornerstone of success for a Trusted Learning Advisor?

Answer 1

Relationships are the cornerstone of success. When trust exists and relationships are built, people can work together more efficiently and effectively

Question 2

Why is it important to build relationships with stakeholders?

Answer 2

A: Building relationships with stakeholders can:
○ Reduce project risks
○ Help overcome unexpected challenges
○ Cut through corporate bureaucracy
○ Increase project delivery time
○ Improve your reputation
○ Increase chances for future work
○ Help you get the support you need to get work done
○ Help stakeholders feel connected
○ Increase the chances of joint success

Question 3

What are the five components necessary for building successful relationships with stakeholders?

Answer 3

A: The five components are:
1. Understanding stakeholders and their business
2. Identifying the baseline of the stakeholder relationship
3. Establishing your credibility
4. Speaking their language
5. Setting clear expectations

Question 4

How can you understand your stakeholders better?

Answer 4

By having empathy and understanding them as people. Ask them questions about their needs, challenges, and how they are impacted by projects. Try to understand their perspective and ‘why’. Put yourself in their shoes to understand their motivations and pressures

Question 5

Why is it important to understand your stakeholder’s business?

Answer 5

Understanding the business allows you to speak their language and demonstrate credibility. Without it, you may be seen as less competent, and the business may dictate solutions

Question 6

What are some steps to understanding your stakeholder’s business?

Answer 6

Conduct research by talking with leaders, managers, and frontline workers. Find out their strategic goals, understand the business’s role within the organization, research competitors, and know the company’s market value

Question 7

How do you identify the baseline of your relationship with a stakeholder?

Answer 7

Evaluate where your stakeholder falls on the spectrum from viewing L&D as a “check-the-box” activity to seeing it as a “magic elixir”. Also, discuss their past learning experiences to understand their potential biases

Question 8

How can you establish your credibility with stakeholders?

Answer 8

Demonstrate the breadth of your experience and relevant resources. Share your track record and expertise. Focus on points that are relevant, contextualized, and practical for your stakeholder. Use case studies and scenarios that apply to their situation

Question 9

Why is it important to “speak their language?”

Answer 9

Using your stakeholder’s terminology makes discussions relevant and easy to understand. It demonstrates that you understand their business. Avoid using L&D jargon

Question 10

How can you learn to speak your stakeholder’s language?

Answer 10

Review their mission, values, and communications. Talk to frontline workers. Ask for acronym lists and vocabulary guides. Be aware of potentially loaded terms in their culture

Question 11

Why is setting clear expectations important?

Answer 11

It helps you understand what stakeholders want, need, and expect from you, making it easier to manage those expectations and deliver on your value proposition

Question 12

What is a Partner Expectation & Commitment Charter?

Answer 12

It’s a template used to articulate what you and your stakeholder expect to give and receive as partners. It helps build trust and accountability. It includes questions about communication, meeting frequency, and how to measure success

Question 13

After building a relationship, how should you nurture it?

Answer 13

By staying connected with your stakeholders, asking for feedback, and sharing your successes

Question 14

What are some ways to stay connected with your stakeholder?

Answer 14

Meet with your stakeholder on a recurring basis. Be proactive in managing the relationship. Conduct quarterly review meetings to discuss the past and future. Research their challenges and come prepared with relevant information

Question 15

Why is asking for feedback important?

Answer 15

It improves performance, increases engagement, and strengthens relationships. Asking proactively puts you in control and demonstrates that you value the stakeholder’s inpu

Question 16

How should you approach asking for feedback?

Answer 16

Be clear that you want their honest thoughts. Start with general questions and then move to more specific ones. Focus on what needs improvement. Listen rather than defend

Question 17

Why is sharing your successes important?

Answer 17

It reinforces your value and broader reach. It provides an opportunity for the stakeholder to offer feedback on your team’s impact on their business

Question 18

What are some ways to share your successes?

Answer 18

Create a running list of successes, and craft a stakeholder-specific version. Discuss successes in meetings as a dialogue, not just as a report. Also, create case studies to demonstrate the impact of your work.

Question 19

Besides stakeholders, who else should you build relationships with?

Answer 19

You should cultivate relationships across all levels and functions of the organization, from C-Suite to frontline workers

Question 20

Who are “champions” and why are they valuable?

Answer 20

Champions are people in the organization who are supportive of L&D. They provide access to frontline workers, feedback from learners, opportunities to market learning initiatives, and insights into organizational challenges

Question 21

What is an L&D Advisory Committee and what is its purpose?

Answer 21

An L&D Advisory Committee is a think tank of key business stakeholders from different levels across the organization. Its purpose is to review the landscape, discuss business goals and challenges, and identify how L&D can support. It also provides an opportunity to demonstrate the value you bring to the organization

Question 22

What is the ultimate goal of the relationship between Trusted Learning Advisor and stakeholder?

Answer 22

The goal is one of partnership and collaboration, with unified goals and next steps. This allows you to drive value and provide impact for the organization