How do you collaborate with the stakeholders you work with outside of IT to ensure that your team's work supports Cisco's overall business goals?

"I clearly understand that the role of the information technology organization is to support the Cisco's business functions. To do this, I need to work closely with the other Cisco business unit leaders to understand their needs and recommend technology-based solutions to fulfill them. Clear and consistent communication is key to this objective. It begins with attentive listening and an awareness of their business challenges and what they're trying to accomplish. I then make recommendations for technology-based solutions which will help them achieve their goals. I often have to negotiate with them due to budget constraints, timelines, and other restrictions imposed by the business operations. I also need to promote the IT organization and the benefits we bring to the company to obtain the resources required to do our job."