This article was based on the interview with Patty Soltis by Greg Kihlström, AI and MarTech keynote speaker for The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Listen to the original episode here:
The ability to forge strong partnerships is essential for success. The podcast discussion highlights the importance of building relationships, particularly between different teams within an organization, such as customer experience (CX) and data analytics. The speaker emphasizes that earning support from colleagues and leadership is not a matter of entitlement; it is a process that requires dedication, understanding, and a strategic approach to collaboration. Let’s explore the significance of earning support through strong partnerships and the impact it has on organizational success.
The journey of building partnerships begins with recognizing the value of collaboration. As the speaker illustrates, establishing a rapport with the data team was one of their first priorities upon joining Upwork. This proactive approach underscores the necessity of understanding the resources available within an organization and leveraging them to create value. Data is a powerful tool that can provide insights into customer behavior, operational efficiency, and potential areas for growth. By fostering a relationship with the analytics team, the speaker gained access to crucial information that informed their strategies and decision-making processes.
However, earning support is not merely about accessing resources; it also involves cultivating trust and demonstrating value. The speaker notes that their support from the data team was earned through consistent efforts to communicate the importance of their work. This highlights a key principle: relationships are built on mutual respect and understanding. By acknowledging the critical role of the data team during the interview process and throughout their tenure, the speaker laid the groundwork for collaboration. This approach reflects the idea that partnerships thrive when individuals take the time to appreciate each other’s contributions and expertise.
Moreover, the speaker’s experience illustrates the importance of aligning goals and values within an organization. Understanding what matters to stakeholders—whether it be revenue sources, customer demographics, or operational efficiencies—enables individuals to tailor their efforts to meet the organization’s needs. By engaging with colleagues to identify these priorities, the speaker was able to position themselves as a valuable asset to the organization. This alignment fosters a sense of shared purpose and encourages collaboration across departments.
Another critical aspect of earning support through partnerships is effective communication. The podcast emphasizes that true partnership requires ongoing dialogue and transparency. Leaders play a vital role in facilitating these conversations, ensuring that all voices are heard, and creating an environment where collaboration is encouraged. By actively engaging with team members and stakeholders, leaders can bridge gaps in understanding and foster a culture of collaboration that drives innovation and enhances overall performance.
Building relationships is a fundamental aspect of achieving business success. As organizations navigate the complexities of the modern marketplace, fostering connections among employees, leaders, and stakeholders becomes increasingly vital. By investing in relationship development, communicating effectively, and persevering through challenges, organizations can create a collaborative environment that drives innovation, enhances customer experiences, and ultimately leads to sustainable success. As highlighted in The Agile Brand podcast, the journey of relationship-building may be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Emphasizing value over ROI in customer experience not only enriches the organization’s understanding of its customers but also lays the foundation for long-term growth and success. In a world where collaboration is key, earning support through strong partnerships is not just beneficial—it is essential. Brand podcast, the journey of relationship-building may be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
