The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Relationship management RLMT

The identification, analysis, management and monitoring of relationships with and between stakeholders. (Stakeholders are individuals, groups, or organisations who may affect, be affected by, or perceive themselves to be affected by decisions, activities and outcomes related to products, services or changes to products and services). The clarification of mutual needs and commitments through consultation and consideration of impacts. For example, the coordination of all promotional activities to one or more clients to achieve satisfaction for the client and an acceptable return for the supplier; assistance to the client to ensure that maximum benefit is gained from products and services supplied.

Levels

Defined at these levels: 4 5 6 7

Relationship management: Levels 1-3

This skill is not typically observed when working at these levels of responsibility.

Relationship management: Level 4

Implements stakeholder engagement/ communications plans, including, for example; handling of complaints; problems and issues; managing resolutions; corrective actions and lessons learned; collection and dissemination of relevant information. Uses feedback from customers and stakeholders to help measure effectiveness of stakeholder management. Helps develop and enhance customer and stakeholder relationships.

Relationship management: Level 5

Identifies the communications needs of each stakeholder group in conjunction with business owners and subject matter experts. Translates communications / stakeholder engagement strategies into specific tasks. Facilitates open communication and discussion between stakeholders, acting as a single point of contact by developing, maintaining and working to stakeholder engagement strategies and plans. (For example, may oversee the organisation's promotional/selling activities to one or more clients, to ensure that such activities are aligned with corporate marketing objectives). Negotiates with stakeholders at senior levels, ensuring that organisational policy and strategies are adhered to. Provides informed feedback to assess and promote understanding.

Relationship management: Level 6

Builds long-term, strategic relationships with senior stakeholders in the largest client organisations (internal or external). Acts as a single point of contact and facilitates access to colleagues and subject experts. Maintains a strong understanding of clients’ industry and business, assists clients in the formation of IT strategies, and acts to ensure that they are offered products and services aligned to these strategies. Negotiates at senior level on technical and commercial issues. Influences the development and enhancement of services, products and systems, and oversees the management and planning of business opportunities. Oversees monitoring of relationships and acts on relevant feedback.

Relationship management: Level 7

Determines the strategic approach to understanding stakeholder objectives and requirements. Works with all interested parties to establish effective relationships between stakeholders, including responsibility for the relationship between technology functions and end users. Establishes and promotes the overall vision for how stakeholder objectives are met and determines organisational roles and alignment. Actively manages relationships with the most senior stakeholders, and is the ultimate escalation point for issue resolution.