Tell me of a time where you had to change a business leader’s mind who was resistant to change and what did you do to resolve this?

In my experience as a Scrum Master, I encountered a department head reluctant to attend team demos, preferring detailed reports. Understanding their concerns about time efficiency, I tailored a demo to align with their interests and showcased how direct involvement could streamline communication. This approach led to their regular attendance, enhancing transparency and engagement.

Answer Using STAR Approach:

• Situation: Faced a department head who avoided team demos for efficiency concerns.
• Task: Encourage them to see the value in attending demos for better transparency.
• Action: Adapted a demo to their interests, showing how involvement could streamline communication.
• Result: They attended, impressed by the focused content, leading to regular participation and improved transparency.

Reflective Questions for Customization:

1. “Have you faced a similar challenge in stakeholder engagement?”
2. “What specific strategies did you use to address their concerns?”
3. “How did your approach influence their behavior or attitude?”

This scenario highlights the significance of coaching and mentoring in stakeholder management. To enhance these skills, consider our ICAgile Coaching Certification, which can empower you to effectively engage and influence stakeholders in Agile environments.