How do you develop relationships with team members and customers?

Sample answer to the question

I believe that developing strong relationships with team members and customers is crucial in any role. To do so, I strive to be approachable and friendly, encouraging open communication and collaboration. I make an effort to get to know my team members and customers on a personal level, showing genuine interest in their lives and work. I actively listen to their concerns and ideas, providing support and guidance when needed. Additionally, I believe in being transparent and keeping everyone informed about project progress and any changes. By fostering these relationships, I can build trust, promote teamwork, and ensure customer satisfaction.

A more solid answer

Developing strong relationships with team members and customers is a priority for me. I understand the significance of open and honest communication in building trust and fostering collaboration. To that end, I make a genuine effort to get to know my team members and customers on both a personal and professional level. For example, in my previous role as a Scrum Master, I organized team-building activities like monthly lunches and team outings to create a positive and cohesive work environment. I also held regular one-on-one meetings with team members to understand their goals, challenges, and provide support. When it comes to customers, I actively listen to their needs and concerns, ensuring that their feedback is incorporated into the development process. By maintaining strong relationships, I can effectively manage stakeholder expectations and deliver successful projects.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more specific examples and details of past experiences, demonstrating the candidate's skills and abilities in both interpersonal skills and stakeholder management. The inclusion of specific actions such as organizing team-building activities and regular one-on-one meetings shows proactive efforts to build relationships. However, the answer could still be further improved by providing more details on how the candidate effectively manages stakeholder expectations.

An exceptional answer

Developing strong relationships with team members and customers is a fundamental aspect of my approach. I believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard. In my previous role as a Product Owner, I implemented a mentorship program where senior team members mentored junior members, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. Additionally, I regularly conducted customer feedback sessions to better understand their needs and expectations. This helped me align the product roadmap with customer requirements and deliver exceptional value. When managing stakeholders, I took a proactive approach by regularly communicating project updates, organizing interactive workshops to gather feedback, and establishing a clear feedback loop to ensure their expectations were met. By continuously investing in these relationships, I have seen increased team motivation, improved customer satisfaction, and successful project outcomes.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides specific and detailed examples of how the candidate develops relationships with team members and customers. The inclusion of a mentorship program and regular customer feedback sessions showcases the candidate's commitment to creating a supportive and collaborative environment. The proactive approach to stakeholder management, including regular communication and interactive workshops, further demonstrates the candidate's ability to effectively manage stakeholder expectations. Overall, the exceptional answer effectively highlights the candidate's skills in interpersonal skills and stakeholder management.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you successfully developed relationships with team members and customers. Be prepared to discuss specific actions and outcomes.
Research and familiarize yourself with Agile principles, methodologies, and tools as they are relevant to this role.
Review the job description and identify key interpersonal skills and stakeholder management abilities required for the role.
Practice answering related interview questions by emphasizing your communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Consider how you can integrate relationship-building techniques, such as team-building activities or customer feedback sessions, into your work approach.

What interviewers are evaluating

Interpersonal skills
Stakeholder management