How can you win over stakeholder champions and advocates?

1 Understand your stakeholders

The first step to winning over stakeholder champions and advocates is to understand who they are, what they care about, and what they expect from your project. You can use a stakeholder analysis tool, such as a power-interest matrix, to map out your stakeholders based on their level of influence and interest in your project. This will help you identify the most critical and influential stakeholders, as well as the potential allies and opponents. You can also use a stakeholder register to document their roles, responsibilities, needs, preferences, and communication styles.

2 Communicate effectively

The second step to winning over stakeholder champions and advocates is to communicate effectively with them throughout the project lifecycle. You need to establish trust, rapport, and credibility with your stakeholders, and keep them informed, engaged, and satisfied. You can use a communication plan to define the purpose, frequency, mode, and content of your communication with each stakeholder group. You can also use a stakeholder engagement plan to define the desired level of engagement, the current level of engagement, and the actions to close the gap. You should tailor your communication to suit the needs and expectations of each stakeholder, and use feedback mechanisms to measure and improve your communication effectiveness.

3 Manage expectations

The third step to winning over stakeholder champions and advocates is to manage their expectations and address their concerns. You need to set realistic and clear expectations for your project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and risks, and align them with the project objectives and benefits. You should also involve your stakeholders in the planning, decision-making, and problem-solving processes, and seek their input and feedback. You should also monitor and control the project performance, and report the progress, issues, and changes to your stakeholders. You should also anticipate and resolve any conflicts or disagreements that may arise among your stakeholders, and negotiate win-win solutions.

4 Deliver value

The fourth step to winning over stakeholder champions and advocates is to deliver value to them and to the project. You need to demonstrate that your project is delivering the expected outcomes and benefits, and that it is meeting or exceeding the stakeholder requirements and expectations. You should also highlight the positive impacts and contributions of your project to the stakeholder interests and goals. You should also recognize and appreciate the efforts and support of your stakeholders, and celebrate the achievements and milestones of your project. You should also solicit and act on the feedback and suggestions of your stakeholders, and implement continuous improvement measures.

6 Maintain relationships

The sixth and final step to winning over stakeholder champions and advocates is to maintain and nurture your relationships with them beyond the project completion. You need to ensure that your project delivers a smooth transition, handover, and closure, and that it meets the stakeholder expectations and satisfaction. You should also conduct a stakeholder feedback survey, and evaluate the effectiveness of your stakeholder management and engagement practices. You should also document and share the lessons learned, best practices, and success stories of your project with your stakeholders. You should also follow up and keep in touch with your stakeholders, and acknowledge and appreciate their continued support and cooperation.