How do you navigate common relationship challenges and risks?

1 Understand the relationship lifecycle and stages

One of the first steps to navigate relationship challenges and risks is to understand the relationship lifecycle and stages that you and your business partners go through. The relationship lifecycle is a model that describes how relationships evolve over time, from initiation to dissolution, and how the level of trust, value, and satisfaction changes along the way. The relationship stages are the phases that define the current state and expectations of the relationship, such as exploring, partnering, or optimizing. By knowing where you are in the relationship lifecycle and stages, you can identify the appropriate actions and behaviors to strengthen the relationship and avoid potential pitfalls.

2 Communicate effectively and frequently

Communication is the key to any successful relationship, and it is especially important for BRMs who need to bridge the gap between the business and IT. Effective and frequent communication can help you to establish rapport, align expectations, share information, resolve issues, and provide feedback. To communicate effectively and frequently, you need to use various channels and methods, such as face-to-face meetings, phone calls, emails, reports, or dashboards, and tailor your message and style to your audience and purpose. You also need to listen actively, ask open-ended questions, and confirm understanding to ensure clarity and avoid misunderstandings.

3 Manage conflicts and disagreements

Conflicts and disagreements are inevitable in any relationship, and they can arise from different perspectives, interests, values, or goals. However, conflicts and disagreements do not have to be destructive, and they can be an opportunity for learning, innovation, and improvement. To manage conflicts and disagreements, you need to adopt a collaborative and constructive approach, rather than a competitive or avoidant one. You need to acknowledge the problem, express your views and feelings, listen to the other party, seek to understand their position and needs, and work together to find a mutually acceptable solution.

4 Address performance gaps and issues

Performance gaps and issues are another common source of relationship challenges and risks, and they can affect the quality, timeliness, and value of the services or products that you and your business partners deliver or receive. Performance gaps and issues can be caused by various factors, such as unclear requirements, unrealistic expectations, resource constraints, technical problems, or human errors. To address performance gaps and issues, you need to monitor and measure the results and outcomes of the relationship, using key performance indicators (KPIs), service level agreements (SLAs), or value realization frameworks. You also need to provide timely and constructive feedback, identify the root causes of the problems, and implement corrective actions or improvement plans.

5 Adapt to changes and uncertainties

Changes and uncertainties are part of the business environment, and they can have a significant impact on the relationship between you and your business partners. Changes and uncertainties can be driven by internal or external factors, such as market trends, customer demands, organizational strategies, or regulatory requirements. To adapt to changes and uncertainties, you need to be flexible and agile, and embrace a growth mindset. You need to anticipate and assess the potential effects of the changes and uncertainties on the relationship, and communicate them clearly and proactively. You also need to collaborate and co-create with your business partners, and leverage their insights, skills, and resources to cope with the changes and uncertainties.

6 Foster trust and commitment

Trust and commitment are the foundation of any lasting and productive relationship, and they are the result of consistent and positive interactions over time. Trust and commitment can help you to overcome relationship challenges and risks, and to create a shared vision, value, and culture. To foster trust and commitment, you need to demonstrate your competence, credibility, and reliability, and deliver on your promises and expectations. You also need to show your respect, empathy, and appreciation, and recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of your business partners.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?