How do you build good relationships with communities and stakeholders?

1 Identify your stakeholders

The first step is to identify who your stakeholders are and what their interests, needs, and expectations are. Stakeholders can include passengers, airlines, employees, regulators, local residents, businesses, environmental groups, media, and politicians. You can use tools such as stakeholder mapping, surveys, and interviews to gather information and prioritize your engagement efforts. You should also monitor any changes or issues that may affect your stakeholders and update your plans accordingly.

2 Communicate effectively

The second step is to communicate effectively with your stakeholders. This means using clear, consistent, and respectful messages that address their concerns and highlight your benefits. You should also use appropriate channels and formats to reach your audiences, such as newsletters, websites, social media, press releases, meetings, and events. You should also listen to their feedback and respond promptly and professionally. You should also be transparent and honest about your challenges and limitations and avoid making promises you cannot keep.

3 Collaborate with partners

The third step is to collaborate with partners who can help you achieve your goals and improve your relationships. Partners can include other airports, industry associations, government agencies, community organizations, and academic institutions. You can work with them on projects, initiatives, and campaigns that align with your vision and values and create mutual benefits. You can also share best practices, resources, and insights with them and learn from their experiences and expertise.

4 Consult with stakeholders

The fourth step is to consult with stakeholders on important decisions and plans that affect them. Consultation is a form of engagement that involves seeking input and feedback from stakeholders and incorporating them into your decision-making process. You can use methods such as surveys, focus groups, workshops, and public hearings to consult with stakeholders. You should also explain the purpose, scope, and outcomes of your consultation and how you will use the information you collect. You should also acknowledge and address any disagreements or objections that may arise.

5 Evaluate your results

The fifth step is to evaluate your results and measure the impact of your engagement activities. You can use indicators such as satisfaction levels, participation rates, media coverage, reputation scores, and complaint numbers to assess your performance. You should also collect and analyze feedback from your stakeholders and partners and identify what worked well and what can be improved. You should also report your results and actions to your stakeholders and partners and thank them for their involvement.

6 Maintain your relationships

The final step is to maintain your relationships with your stakeholders and partners over time. You should not treat engagement as a one-off or occasional activity, but as an ongoing and continuous process. You should keep in touch with your stakeholders and partners and update them on your progress and achievements. You should also recognize and celebrate their contributions and successes and show your appreciation and gratitude. You should also look for new opportunities and challenges to work with them and grow your relationships.

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?