The first thing is to understand why is this stakeholder blocking the progress of the project. Ones it is identified try to address the person’s concern and explain how that can be addressed. Provide fully transparency of the project showing its purpose and benefits and offer solutions to the stakeholders concern. However, after trying that path, if the stakeholder still blocks the progress unreadably, ensure a strategy to negate the impact of his / her actions. This will require full support and commitment from all other key stakeholders coming together in unison with a clear action plan to negate the negative impacts. The teams will need sharp focus, extra efforts and commitments to sail through such obstacles.

To manage resistance from a key stakeholder blocking your project's progress, start by seeking to understand their concerns and motivations through open dialogue. Schedule a meeting to listen actively to their perspective and acknowledge their input. Clarify how the project aligns with their goals and the overall organizational objectives. Address any misconceptions and propose compromises or adjustments that could alleviate their concerns. Building a collaborative relationship can foster trust, making it easier to find common ground. Regular follow-ups can also help keep the stakeholder engaged and informed throughout the project.

I’ve learned that dealing with stakeholders requires elegance and grace, especially, with those who oppose my point of view. To address their concern I use empathy, which if cognitively reciprocated it helps to build rapport and eventual trust. This rapport may help me to address their perspective and resistance to any changes within the project, team, unit or the organization itself.

Stakeholders love to influence decision making which helps them understand the project at a deeper level as they represent it to their peers. An excellent way to engage stakeholders is by inviting them into critical decision-making in an organized manner.

To manage a key stakeholder's resistance, I would first seek to understand their concerns by meeting with them to openly discuss their objections. I’d acknowledge their position and ask clarifying questions to fully grasp the underlying reasons for their resistance, demonstrating respect for their viewpoint. Then, I’d communicate the project’s goals, benefits, and alignment with broader objectives, showing how it addresses both organizational and stakeholder needs. If necessary, I’d explore possible compromises or adjustments that might alleviate their concerns while keeping the project on track. By building trust and addressing their reservations directly, I can work to transform their opposition into support.