"I have worked with a wide variety of stakeholders in the past and I strive to develop a custom approach to working with each of them that is aligned with their unique needs. However, I think they could all agree on the following three words.
First, my stakeholders would say that I am accountable. I make clear commitments and deliver upon them regularly. When circumstances outside of my control change, I quickly communicate the details and collaborate on a new plan of action. I own my own mistakes as well as those of my teams and I ensure we learn from them and avoid them in the future.
Second, my stakeholders would say I am empathetic. I work hard to understand their worlds and anticipate their needs. I try to think and feel from their perspective and the perspectives of the groups they are responsible for. I treat their feelings as important as my own.
Finally, my stakeholders would say that I am light-hearted. I believe in the importance of weaving enjoyment into the work I do with my stakeholders and my teams. I face negative situations head-on, but I balance that with positivity. I am quick to laugh at myself and remind everyone I work with that our work goes more smoothly when we remember to relax and have fun as much as possible."
