What are the best ways to work with stakeholders?

1 Identify your stakeholders

The first step is to identify who your stakeholders are and what their roles and responsibilities are. You can use tools such as stakeholder maps, matrices, or analysis to categorize them according to their power, interest, influence, and needs. This will help you prioritize your communication and engagement strategies and tailor your messages and actions to each stakeholder group.

2 Communicate clearly and regularly

Communication is key to building trust and rapport with your stakeholders. You should communicate clearly and regularly about your project scope, objectives, progress, risks, and issues. You should also use the appropriate channels and formats for each stakeholder, such as emails, phone calls, meetings, reports, or presentations. You should also listen actively and attentively to your stakeholders' feedback, questions, and concerns, and acknowledge and address them promptly and respectfully.

3 Manage expectations and changes

One of the main sources of friction with stakeholders is the mismatch between their expectations and the reality of your project. You should manage expectations from the start by setting realistic and achievable goals, defining the scope and deliverables, and agreeing on the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. You should also monitor and control the changes that may occur during your project, such as scope creep, budget overruns, or schedule delays. You should inform your stakeholders of any changes as soon as possible and explain the reasons and implications. You should also seek their approval and support for any changes that may affect them.

4 Involve and empower your stakeholders

Another way to work with stakeholders effectively is to involve and empower them in your project. You should seek their input and opinions, involve them in decision-making and problem-solving, and delegate tasks and responsibilities to them when appropriate. This will help you leverage their expertise, skills, and resources, and increase their ownership and commitment to your project. You should also recognize and appreciate their contributions and achievements, and celebrate your successes together.

5 Resolve conflicts and issues

Working with stakeholders can also involve conflicts and issues that can jeopardize your project. You should anticipate and prevent potential conflicts and issues by identifying and analyzing the sources, causes, and impacts of them. You should also address and resolve them as soon as possible by using constructive and collaborative approaches, such as negotiation, mediation, or compromise. You should also avoid blaming or criticizing your stakeholders, and focus on finding solutions and reaching agreements.

Working with stakeholders is a vital skill for staffing services professionals. By following these best practices, you can work with stakeholders effectively and efficiently, and achieve your project goals.

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?