76. How to Strategically Build Relationships with Stacey Chavis, Managing Director of Campaigns Academy

How do you strategically build relationships?

For this Women of Color Rise episode, I talk with Stacey Chavis, Managing Director of Campaigns Academy, where she trains leaders to serve in elected office. Having spent her entire career in politics, Stacey points out the challenges women of color face but makes an adamant case about why women of color need to be at the decision making table, 

We discuss how being liked matters to rising in your career and how to strategically build relationships.

1. Begin with the end in mind. For example, Stacey knew that for her next role, she wanted to transition to fundraising. So she identified people who had jobs she wanted and strategically built relationships with them.

2. Build relationships up, down, and across. Ideally, you want to know people two levels above you, two levels below you, and people who are peers. This will help you gain perspective about your organization and flag any opportunities or challenges ahead of time.

3. Reciprocate. A relationship is not a one-way street. Make sure to offer value – for example, sharing expertise or information that can be helpful to them.

4. Be intentional and efficient. Given our online work environment, we have less opportunities to casually run into each other at the water cooler. Be intentional in setting up time to connect with people. This could be as quick as a 15-minute zoom call to get their input on something.

5. When in doubt, ask them about themselves. It may sometimes be awkward to get a relationship started. But a fool-proof way to get and keep the relationship going is to ask them about their favorite topic – themselves.

Get full show notes and more information here: https://analizawolf.com/ep-76-how-to-strategically-build-relationships-with-stacey-chavis