How To Successfully Build Internal Partnerships with Jason Farrington former Google

In the narrative of Jason Farrington's professional life, moments of tension and conflict have been the heralds of growth and collaboration. Jason reveals his methodical approach when cross-functional challenges arise, starting with the acknowledgment that misaligned expectations are often the root of discord. His strategy unfolds through open conversations, seeking to fully understand the pressures, goals, limitations, and dependencies that shape his partners' perspectives.

Jason's philosophy is underpinned by the pursuit of mutual objectives that transcend individual departmental ambitions. He values creating a level playing ground and believes in the power of empathy to unravel the knots of professional frictions. This empathetic approach shapes his interactions and reflects his intrinsic belief that no colleague deliberately intends to undermine team progress. Instead, Jason sees conflict as an opportunity to reprioritize and align collective goals, and through this approach, he fosters a more collaborative and productive work environment.
His story is one of a compassionate leader, distinguishing tension not as confrontation but as an opening to bridge understanding and propel joint success.

Primary Topic: Importance of Cross-Functional Partnerships
- Essentiality of Working Cross-Functionally
- Challenges of Leading Support Teams Cross-Functionally
- Aligning Goals and Motivations with Cross-Functional Stakeholders
- Managing Tension When Goals Are Misaligned
Primary Topic: Building Strong Cross-Functional Relationships
- Starting with Common Shared Goals
- Understanding Pressures, Goals, and Challenges of Cross-Functional Partners
- Active Listening and Curiosity in One-on-One Conversations
- Finding Similarities versus Differences in Goals
- Leading with Empathy and Curiosity
- Influencing Up the Funnel for Anticipating Issues
Primary Topic: Power Dynamics in Cross-Functional Teams
- Power Dynamics in Different Company Cultures
- Importance of Addressing Power Dynamics for Equal Partnerships
- Influencing Up the Funnel for Collaboration and Enhanced Customer Experience
Primary Topic: Growth Challenges in a Rapidly Expanding Company
- Transitioning from Full-Time Support to Outsourcing and Offshoring
- Maintaining Access to the Voice of the Customer
- Trust, but Verify Metrics from Vendors
- Leading with Empathy and Curiosity While Navigating Growth Challenges
Primary Topic: Key Leadership Approaches
- Leading with Empathy and Curiosity
- Importance of Empathetic and Problem-Solving Support Teams
- Connecting Support Data to Drive Business Performance
Primary Topic: Closing Remarks and Future Topics
- Reflection on the Complexity of Working Cross-Functionally
- Importance of Leading with Empathy and Curiosity
- Future Topics: Using Third Parties Effectively in Business

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