Which is a recommended approach for gaining trust from stakeholders that you understand their needs?

Question

Options

• AKeep the conversations very specific to your areas of technical expertise.
• BStart discussions at a high level before focusing on detailed technical items.
• CExplain how you are fixing problems followed by asking questions such as where lower
• DStart the discussion by providing examples of what you have done for other departments in

• A
  7% (3)
• B
  89% (39)
• C
  2% (1)
• D
  2% (1)

Explanation

Starting discussions at a high level before drilling into technical details (B) demonstrates that you understand stakeholders' broader goals and context - not just your own technical domain. This approach builds rapport and signals you're listening to their needs first, which is foundational to earning trust.

Why the distractors fall short:

• A is wrong because restricting conversations to your technical expertise centers you, not the stakeholder - it can make you seem narrow and self-focused.
• C is backwards: leading with how you're fixing problems assumes you already know the issue before fully understanding the stakeholder's perspective.
• D is wrong because opening with examples of your past work for other departments is self-promotional and doesn't demonstrate you understand this stakeholder's specific needs.

Memory tip: Think "wide before deep" - always start at the stakeholder's altitude (30,000 ft business view) before descending into technical details. The acronym HLFD (High Level First, Details Later) can help you remember the correct sequence.

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