How can you persuade stakeholders to prioritize your project over others?

1 Know your stakeholders

The first step is to identify and analyze your stakeholders, their roles, expectations, needs, and concerns. You can use a stakeholder matrix to map them according to their power and interest in your project, and tailor your communication and engagement strategies accordingly. For example, you may need to inform and monitor those with low power and low interest, consult and involve those with high power and low interest, collaborate and empower those with high power and high interest, and keep satisfied and informed those with low power and high interest.

2 Communicate the value proposition

The next step is to communicate the value proposition of your project, or how it will deliver benefits to the stakeholders and the organization. You need to articulate the problem or opportunity that your project addresses, the solution or outcome that your project provides, and the evidence or rationale that supports your project's feasibility and desirability. You also need to highlight the risks and costs of not doing your project, and how it aligns with the strategic goals and priorities of the organization.

3 Build trust and rapport

The third step is to build trust and rapport with your stakeholders, by establishing credibility, reliability, and empathy. You can demonstrate your credibility by showing your expertise, experience, and qualifications in managing your project. You can show your reliability by delivering on your promises, meeting deadlines, and following up on issues. You can express your empathy by listening to your stakeholders, understanding their perspectives, and addressing their concerns.

5 Manage expectations and feedback

The final step is to manage expectations and feedback from your stakeholders, by setting clear and realistic goals, reporting progress and performance, and soliciting and incorporating feedback. You need to define and agree on the scope, deliverables, milestones, roles, and responsibilities of your project with your stakeholders, and communicate any changes or issues that may affect them. You also need to provide regular and transparent updates on your project's status, achievements, and challenges, and seek input and suggestions from your stakeholders on how to improve your project's outcomes and processes.

6 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?