What techniques do you use to build alliances and gain buy-in from key stakeholders before making difficult decisions?

I build alliances through continuous relationship-building, collaboration, and early transparency—long before decisions arise—to foster trust and mutual benefit. This proactive, win-win approach ensures stakeholders feel valued and invested in outcomes, not just engaged during negotiations.

I prefer to present solutions alongside problems. When approaching stakeholders, I provide a clear picture of the situation, including potential solutions and the team's preferred course of action. This transparency helps stakeholders understand our reasoning and builds trust over time. As trust grows, stakeholders become more confident in our ability to make decisions independently, knowing we have their interests at heart.

I don't focus on building alliances in the traditional sense, as it can create an "us versus them" dynamic. Instead, I aim for inclusivity and collaboration, ensuring that the team is unified in its approach. When seeking buy-in, I ensure that the entire team is aligned and supportive before presenting a proposal to higher management. This approach fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose. Building trust is crucial. When stakeholders trust you, they are more likely to support your decisions, knowing you have the team's and organization's best interests in mind.