The Secret Playbook: Turning Vendor–Client Kryptonite into Collaboration

Vendor–client relationships play a critical role in advancing imaging informatics, yet they are often challenged by miscommunication, competing priorities, and unstated assumptions. While technology frequently takes center stage, many project obstacles arise instead from unclear expectations, differing constraints, and a lack of shared understanding between partners. This session explores the interpersonal and organizational dynamics that influence these relationships and how improved clarity, trust, and transparency can strengthen outcomes.

Attendees will learn how hidden frustrations and competing pressures shape vendor–client interactions, and how empathy, honesty, and aligned goals can transform strained exchanges into effective collaboration. The session concludes with practical strategies for establishing communication norms, defining shared success metrics, articulating expectations early, and fostering a collaborative rather than adversarial culture.

Objectives

• Identify common communication breakdowns and hidden frustrations in vendor-client relationships within imaging informatics.
• Recognize the competing priorities, constraints, and perspectives that influence both vendor and client decision-making.
• Explain strategies of empathy, transparency, and shared goal-setting to strengthen vendor–client collaboration and project outcomes.