How do you demonstrate your value and credibility as a service delivery manager to your clients and managers?

One simple action that can skyrocket your credibility as an SDM Regular check-ins. It's not just about *having* discovery sessions, it's about making them a consistent part of your client relationship. How often? Think quarterly, at a minimum. Why this matters: Imagine increasing client satisfaction by up to 20% (that's HUGE) simply by demonstrating you're invested in their success. Where I disagree: "Surveys and interviews" can feel impersonal. Instead, prioritize open-ended conversations. Ask: "What's keeping you up at night?" Your ideal self: You're not a vendor, you're a partner. Clients seek you out for strategic advice because you understand their business at a deep level.

Service delivery managers or technology business partners are key enablers of technology whose main role should be proactive in providing regular updates and contributing in business discussions, continuously meet with stakeholders at all levels, floor walking, from there use the information to seek opportunities to add value using tech tools. Service delivery managers should possess sound communication along with in-depth knowledge on both the business operations and technical infrastructure of the organisation to allow them to pivot quickly and provide desired benefits. Successful delivery, communication and demonstrated value add services provide the business with confidence and trust, which is essential in their success.

As a Service Delivery Manager, it is important to maintain good relations and trust with the customer, partner and leadership. He is the face of an Organization, hence whatever he does, affects the Organization, either positively or negatively. In order to be good at Delivery Management, one must have strategic thinking, able to lead a large group and manage projects to deliver quality products and service.

In my experience it is important to bring more to the table than is understood. Technology, politics, environment, social endeavours and more can change how a service is delivered and consumed. Being a good service manager means thinking wider then the current constraints and opening up new ideas and opportunities that benefit the client.

spanning the journey from being a transactional supplier to strategic partner of an enterprise client requires several key behaviours including Patience & Discipline because it will take time, Empathy to understand your clients's needs and feel their pain, Structure to work according to a plan and Flexibilty to change and adapt with insights that develop along the journey

Actually, setting clear and realistic goals, scope, timelines, and budgets for service delivery projects is crucial as it not only helps in managing expectations but also lays the foundation for successful project execution. When clients have a clear understanding of what to expect, it reduces misunderstandings and enhances transparency, ultimately leading to better outcomes. However, delivering on promises and managing expectations alone is not sufficient to demonstrate value and credibility as a Service Delivery Manager . While these are essential components, SDM should also focus on fostering strong relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs, and continuously seeking opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Establish your worth and credibility as a service delivery manager through the consistent delivery of top-notch results, ensuring compliance with, or surpassing, service level agreements. Foster transparent communication with clients and managers by regularly updating them on project milestones and proactively addressing any concerns that may arise.

Ensuring that you hear the problem correctly, be neutral to the issue and carrying the sense of urgency to get the resolved with open minded discussion. Customer too know the time it takes for the resolution of any issue or sprint that will be delivered, transparency with real progress in making sure that the business is updated on what is going on. Look out for the assistance where needed, continuous communication with progressive updates not just saying "working on it" and highlighting the real road block and standing next to your partner ( no more clients ) as we are walking together to raise our both business. You are getting business at the same time you are increasing your foot print and other too. Transparency along with progress.

A good clear understanding of the overall goals and strategy is essential for an SDM to deliver on promises. Many organisations don’t have strategy and therefore can’t set meaningful KPI and measures that mean something. If KPI and metrics don’t exist, get familiar with desired outcomes and find a way to measure your performance.

Walk The Talk, easily said but hard to do, consistently. Managing expectations means making promises and commitments you know you will be able to deliver on. Break that promise and not walk the talk is a sure fire way to destroy trust and ruin relationships

Seeking feedback only works when it's not only compliments you're seeking but making your (self/company) vulnerable to also accepting unpleasant and negative feedback. This shows a willingness to learn and openess to improvement suggestions for a win win relationship.

Establishing trust with clients is paramount as a service delivery manager. This begins with clear, consistent communication, ensuring all parties are always informed and aligned. Transparency is vital; openly sharing statuses, addressing challenges head-on, and setting realistic expectations foster a culture of trust. By doing so, not only do you demonstrate your credibility and reliability, but you also lay a solid foundation for long-term partnerships. This approach instills confidence in your abilities and signifies a commitment to delivering value, enhancing your reputation as a dependable and transparent service delivery manager.

To demonstrate your value as a service delivery manager, consistently meet or exceed targets and communicate transparently with clients and managers. Build strong relationships by understanding and addressing their needs proactively. Showcase your expertise by offering insights and solutions, and use feedback to drive continuous improvement. Document and share success stories to highlight your achievements, and stay proactive in anticipating and resolving issues. By delivering results, maintaining clear communication, and demonstrating industry knowledge, you build credibility and trust.