What do your partners really think of you?

Building Coalitions
Written By Stacia Aylward

The Challenge

Make a list of five partners from whom you would like to get some feedback about your relationship, services, or products. Choose one of those partners, and schedule a time to get feedback. Ask something like: "Over the past quarter, how would you rate our relationship with you, the service you receive from us and the products we deliver that impact you? Why?" This question will open a discussion into what you can improve and what you are doing well, from this partner's perspective.

Why do this?

Clearly the best way to get feedback is to ask directly. As leaders, we need to be in touch with how our stakeholders experience us and what would improve our service to them.

This act is part of your long term effort to strengthen your partnerships and political savvy.

What’s next?

Ask the same questions of the rest of the stakeholders on your list, and identify common themes that your team can address.

Stacia Aylward

Zelos CEO Stacia C. Aylward is an executive leader and lifelong learner with broad professional experience in envisioning and leading programs, projects and teams; facilitating and teaching adults; conducting research; and developing client relationships using proven methodologies in many government and technical fields, including economics, education, healthcare, housing, non-profit governance, IT and law. Stacia holds a master’s degree in Communication and Information, a bachelor’s degree in English, a Six Sigma black belt certification, and a Coach Approach to Leadership credential.

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