Here's how you can turn failure into stronger relationships with senior stakeholders.

Start by taking accountability for the failure. This shows maturity and awareness of what went wrong. Do not deflect! Be clear about your involvement in the failure, and what could have been done better then ruminate on a remedial action plan to resolve the issue at hand. Understand the Senior Stakeholder's desired outcome, way of work and align your actions to this goal. Outline roles and responsibilities, hold responsible parties accountable and be very explicit about 'uncertainties' and what could take longer than expected to rectify (under promise and over deliver vs. realistic commitment and transparency on progress). Maintain open communication at all times. Deliver results so you can rebuild credibility and trust.

By taking responsibility for project setbacks, you demonstrate a strong sense of integrity. This honesty is critical for building and maintaining trust with senior stakeholders. It shows that you are willing to acknowledge mistakes and are committed to the organization's values.

Encourage a constructive dialogue with senior stakeholders about how to move forward. Ask for their input and suggestions on solutions and improvements. This collaborative approach not only helps in finding effective solutions but also strengthens your relationship with them.

En la práctica lo que resulta y que la alta dirección (C-suites) requieren de ti son accionables inmediatos o a corto plazo, la agilidad del sistema, mercados, demandas, no tienen tiempo para que una empresa resuelva en 3, 6 o 9 meses, por ello los planes de acción deben ser objetivos, ágiles y sostenibles. Es una forma de crear confianza.

Implement the plan with a clear timeline and milestones. Regularly monitor progress and report back to stakeholders on achievements and any challenges encountered. This transparency helps maintain trust and ensures that everyone remains aligned with the project goals.

Open communication channels allow for continuous feedback, enabling you to make adjustments that keep the project aligned with stakeholder expectations. Communicate honestly about both successes and setbacks. Avoid sugar-coating problems; instead, provide a realistic view of the situation and the steps being taken to address it.

Ensures that stakeholders feel valued and involved in the recovery process. Open communication lines invite valuable feedback, leading to adjustments that align the project more closely with stakeholder expectations and ultimately contribute to its success.