How can you access valuable resources for your project?

1 Identify your resource needs

The first step is to identify what resources you need for your project, such as people, equipment, materials, information, or funding. You can use tools like a resource breakdown structure, a resource calendar, or a resource histogram to plan and estimate your resource requirements. You should also consider the quality, availability, and cost of each resource, as well as any risks or dependencies associated with them.

2 Analyze your stakeholders

The next step is to analyze your stakeholders, who are the individuals or groups that have an interest or influence on your project. You can use tools like a stakeholder register, a power-interest grid, or a stakeholder map to identify and categorize your stakeholders according to their level of power, interest, impact, or attitude towards your project. You should also assess their needs, expectations, and potential contributions or conflicts with your project.

3 Engage your stakeholders

The third step is to engage your stakeholders, who are the sources or gatekeepers of your resources. You can use tools like a communication plan, a stakeholder engagement plan, or a RACI matrix to define and execute your communication and engagement strategies with your stakeholders. You should also build trust, rapport, and mutual understanding with your stakeholders by listening to their concerns, addressing their issues, and delivering value to them.

4 Negotiate your resources

The fourth step is to negotiate your resources, which involves reaching a mutually acceptable agreement with your stakeholders on how to allocate and use the resources for your project. You can use tools like a negotiation plan, a BATNA analysis, or a win-win approach to prepare and conduct your negotiations with your stakeholders. You should also be flexible, creative, and collaborative in finding solutions that satisfy both your and your stakeholders' interests and needs.

5 Monitor and control your resources

The fifth step is to monitor and control your resources, which involves tracking and managing the performance and availability of your resources throughout your project. You can use tools like a resource dashboard, a resource variance report, or a resource optimization technique to measure and report your resource utilization, efficiency, and effectiveness. You should also anticipate and respond to any changes, issues, or risks that may affect your resources or your stakeholder relationships.

6 Recognize and reward your stakeholders

The sixth and final step is to recognize and reward your stakeholders, who are the key enablers of your project success. You can use tools like a recognition plan, a feedback mechanism, or a reward system to acknowledge and appreciate your stakeholders' contributions, achievements, and feedback. You should also celebrate and share your project results, benefits, and learnings with your stakeholders and maintain a positive and lasting relationship with them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?