What are some tools or frameworks that you use to analyze and map your stakeholders?

1 Power-interest grid

One of the simplest and most widely used tools for stakeholder analysis is the power-interest grid, also known as the Mendelow matrix. This tool helps you categorize your stakeholders based on their level of power (how much they can affect your project) and interest (how much they care about your project). By plotting your stakeholders on a four-quadrant grid, you can easily see who are the key players, who are the supporters, who are the bystanders, and who are the troublemakers. Based on this, you can decide how to engage with each group and allocate your resources accordingly.

3 Stakeholder salience model

A more advanced tool for stakeholder analysis is the stakeholder salience model, which is based on the theory of stakeholder identification and prioritization. This tool helps you assess your stakeholders based on three attributes: power, legitimacy, and urgency. Power is the ability to impose their will on your project, legitimacy is the degree to which they have a valid claim or right to be involved, and urgency is the extent to which their demands or expectations require immediate attention. By combining these attributes, you can classify your stakeholders into eight types, ranging from dormant (low power, low legitimacy, low urgency) to definitive (high power, high legitimacy, high urgency). The stakeholder salience model can help you understand the motivations and expectations of your stakeholders, and how to respond to their needs and concerns.

4 Stakeholder analysis matrix

A practical tool for stakeholder management is the stakeholder analysis matrix, which is a table that summarizes the key information and actions for each stakeholder. A stakeholder analysis matrix can help you plan and monitor your stakeholder engagement activities, and track the progress and results of your communication and relationship building efforts. To create a stakeholder analysis matrix, you can use the following columns: stakeholder name, role, interest, power, influence, current attitude, desired attitude, engagement strategy, communication method, frequency, and status. A stakeholder analysis matrix can help you keep track of your stakeholder management goals and actions, and adjust them as needed.

5 Stakeholder feedback loop

A vital tool for stakeholder management is the stakeholder feedback loop, which is a process of collecting, analyzing, and acting on the feedback and input from your stakeholders. A stakeholder feedback loop can help you improve your project performance, quality, and satisfaction, and foster a culture of collaboration and learning among your stakeholders. To create a stakeholder feedback loop, you can use the following steps: define the purpose and scope of the feedback, identify the sources and methods of feedback collection, analyze and interpret the feedback data, communicate and share the feedback results, implement and evaluate the feedback actions, and repeat the cycle as needed. A stakeholder feedback loop can help you build trust and credibility with your stakeholders, and enhance your project outcomes and impact.