Satisfaction: Four Tactics To Earn Your Sponsor's Good Graces

  PM Network  

It’s Monday morning and you’re greeted with a seven-minute voicemail from your primary stakeholder pointing out several critical issues that remain unresolved. Your excuses aren’t cutting it, and he or she suggests a “status call.” You know what that means.

After a forceful exhale and a jolt of coffee, you start thinking about your response—which will surely dictate how the rest of your week will unfold.

If you still plan on attending that networking cocktail event on Thursday, you need to get moving.

1. Act fast—and make it personal

Make sure you follow up within an hour of receiving a distress signal from a primary stakeholder. Don’t waste time formulating a 400-word e-mail addressing each point. E-mails are too informal, and context is key. Reach for your mobile. Or better yet, put in some face time. Your physical presence can speak volumes about your dedication to the issues and the stakeholder.

2. Don’t walk in with solutions

Upon first contact, you need to idle that proactive brain of yours.

No matter how many status reports or action plans you submit, sometimes stakeholders simply need to be heard. Be prepared to sit with notebook in hand and lips zipped, carefully listening to your stakeholder’s needs and frustrations.

Once you’ve absorbed that, reply with questions …

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