Relationship Management

Most problems, setbacks and indeed unnecessary costs and frustration arise from poor communication.

That is the key learning we made in over 25 years in the industry. One example shall suffice: While delivering a multimillion dollar test-solution, the client notified us that the test-systems could not test a crucial design parameter as needed. Both teams had assumed that their interpretation of that parameter was the same as the other team’s. The client could not meet their market-window and the contract was cancelled.

The risk of the ‘unknown’: No matter how ‘clear-cut’ a situation may appear, one must differentiate between assumption and certainty. Common knowledge and understanding need to be developed and indeed confirmed. Processes are vital, yet it is imperative that we do not trade expediency and efficiency for process and detail. Sound and effective Relationship Management is invaluable. A well managed balance of process and relationship will expedite the entire engagement, help utilise resources more efficiently and preempt costly escalation and delays.

Collaboration and understanding: Building rapport and indeed trust, ensures that teams and stakeholders operate in an environment that encourages communication. Without doubt, maintaining open and concise communication is one of the most effective safeguards against costly misunderstandings. Well managed, this approach will expedite delivery quite simply by encouraging tangible contributions from all parties.

Our approach is straightforward, pragmatic and practical: Sound Project Management and Structured Analysis procedures provide the ‘backbone’. Around that backbone we manage Communications befitting our client and the engagement at hand. We ensure cohesiveness through the practical application of contemporary teachings in Relationship Management such as Goleman, Drucker, Goldratt, et al. In short, our approach is to deliver sound and valid results in the most efficient and effective way for all involved.