How do you keep stakeholders on track in SDLC?

1 Identify and classify stakeholders

The first step to keep stakeholders on track in SDLC is to identify and classify them according to their roles, responsibilities, and interests in the project. This will help you understand who are the key stakeholders, who are the secondary stakeholders, and who are the peripheral stakeholders. Key stakeholders are those who have the most power and influence over the project, such as the sponsor, the customer, the user representative, and the project manager. Secondary stakeholders are those who have some involvement or impact on the project, such as the developers, the testers, the quality assurance team, and the vendors. Peripheral stakeholders are those who have minimal or indirect interest in the project, such as the regulators, the competitors, and the media. By identifying and classifying stakeholders, you can tailor your communication and engagement strategies to suit their needs and expectations.

2 Define and communicate the scope

The second step to keep stakeholders on track in SDLC is to define and communicate the scope of the project. The scope is the set of features and functions that the software application will deliver, as well as the constraints and assumptions that affect the project. The scope should be based on the requirements and expectations of the key stakeholders, as well as the feasibility and viability of the project. The scope should be documented and agreed upon by all the key stakeholders, and communicated to the secondary and peripheral stakeholders. The scope should also be reviewed and updated regularly throughout the SDLC, as changes may occur due to feedback, testing, or external factors. By defining and communicating the scope, you can ensure that all stakeholders have a clear and shared vision of what the project aims to achieve and how it will be done.

3 Involve and update stakeholders

The third step to keep stakeholders on track in SDLC is to involve and update them throughout the different phases of the project. Involving stakeholders means soliciting their input, feedback, suggestions, and approval on various aspects of the project, such as the requirements, the design, the prototypes, the testing, and the deployment. Updating stakeholders means informing them of the progress, status, issues, risks, and changes of the project, as well as the achievements, milestones, and deliverables. Involving and updating stakeholders can be done through various methods, such as meetings, emails, reports, presentations, demos, surveys, and reviews. By involving and updating stakeholders, you can ensure that they are engaged, informed, satisfied, and supportive of the project.

4 Manage and resolve conflicts

The fourth step to keep stakeholders on track in SDLC is to manage and resolve conflicts that may arise among or between them. Conflicts can occur due to different reasons, such as miscommunication, misunderstanding, disagreement, competition, or personality clashes. Conflicts can affect the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of the project, as well as the relationships and trust among the stakeholders. Therefore, it is important to identify, address, and resolve conflicts as soon as possible, before they escalate or become chronic. To manage and resolve conflicts, you can use various techniques, such as listening, empathizing, negotiating, compromising, collaborating, or escalating. By managing and resolving conflicts, you can ensure that all stakeholders are aligned, cooperative, and respectful of each other.

5 Recognize and reward stakeholders

The fifth step to keep stakeholders on track in SDLC is to recognize and reward them for their contributions, achievements, and support. Recognizing and rewarding stakeholders means acknowledging, appreciating, and celebrating their efforts, results, and feedback. This can be done through various ways, such as verbal praise, written thank you notes, certificates, badges, gifts, bonuses, or promotions. Recognizing and rewarding stakeholders can also be done at different levels, such as individually, in teams, or in groups. By recognizing and rewarding stakeholders, you can ensure that they are motivated, satisfied, and loyal to the project.

6 Learn and improve from stakeholders

The sixth and final step to keep stakeholders on track in SDLC is to learn and improve from them. Learning and improving from stakeholders means collecting, analyzing, and applying their feedback, suggestions, complaints, and compliments. This can be done through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, testimonials, or reviews. Learning and improving from stakeholders can also be done at different stages, such as during the project, after the project, or in between projects. By learning and improving from stakeholders, you can ensure that you are delivering the best possible software application that meets their needs and expectations, as well as enhancing your own skills and knowledge.

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?