What do you do if your project's success depends on building strong relationships with senior stakeholders?

1 Identify your senior stakeholders

The first step is to identify who your senior stakeholders are and what their roles, interests, and power levels are in relation to your project. You can use a stakeholder analysis matrix or a power-interest grid to map them out and categorize them. This will help you understand their needs, motivations, and potential risks or issues. You should also find out who are the key decision-makers, influencers, and gatekeepers among your senior stakeholders, and how they communicate and collaborate with each other.

2 Plan your communication strategy

The next step is to plan how, when, and what to communicate with your senior stakeholders. You should tailor your communication style and content to suit their preferences and expectations. For example, some senior stakeholders may prefer concise and factual reports, while others may appreciate more storytelling and emotional appeal. You should also consider the frequency and format of your communication, such as regular meetings, emails, dashboards, or presentations. You should also establish clear and realistic expectations and goals for your communication, and track and measure your progress and feedback.

3 Build trust and rapport

The third step is to build trust and rapport with your senior stakeholders. This means showing respect, empathy, and professionalism in your interactions. You should also demonstrate your competence, credibility, and value as a project manager, and deliver on your promises and commitments. You should also seek to understand their perspectives, challenges, and goals, and align your project objectives and benefits with them. You should also look for opportunities to create positive experiences and interactions, such as sharing success stories, celebrating milestones, or acknowledging contributions.

4 Manage expectations and conflicts

The fourth step is to manage expectations and conflicts with your senior stakeholders. This means being proactive, transparent, and honest in your communication, especially when there are changes, issues, or risks that affect your project. You should also anticipate and address any potential gaps or misalignments between your project scope, schedule, budget, quality, and outcomes, and your senior stakeholders' expectations and requirements. You should also use effective negotiation, persuasion, and problem-solving skills to resolve any conflicts or disagreements that may arise, and seek to find win-win solutions.

5 Seek feedback and support

The fifth step is to seek feedback and support from your senior stakeholders. This means asking for their opinions, suggestions, and insights on your project performance, progress, and outcomes. You should also solicit their feedback on your communication style, content, and frequency, and make adjustments accordingly. You should also appreciate and act on their feedback, and show how you have incorporated it into your project. You should also ask for their support and endorsement for your project, such as providing resources, removing barriers, or influencing other stakeholders.

6 Nurture and maintain relationships

The final step is to nurture and maintain relationships with your senior stakeholders. This means keeping them informed, engaged, and satisfied throughout your project lifecycle, and beyond. You should also recognize and appreciate their involvement, contribution, and impact on your project, and share your gratitude and recognition. You should also seek to establish long-term and mutually beneficial relationships with them, and look for ways to add value and support to their goals and interests. You should also keep in touch and follow up with them after your project is completed, and seek opportunities for future collaboration or learning.

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?