How can you write to build strong relationships with stakeholders?

1. Active Listening: Show genuine interest and understand their concerns. 2. Clear Communication: Be open, transparent, and provide timely updates. 3. Address Concerns Promptly: Respond quickly to questions and concerns. 4. Involve in Decision-Making: Include them in relevant decisions for collaboration. 5. Build Personal Connections: Establish personal rapport beyond formal discussions. 6. Seek Feedback: Actively seek and use feedback for improvements. 7. Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate project achievements. 8. Be Adaptable: Stay flexible and adjust to changing needs. 9. Risk Management: Communicate potential risks and mitigation strategies. 10. Accessibility: Be accessible and responsive for easy communication.

Stakeholders are of 2 classes- Internal & External Stakeholders & it is imperative to know their expectations upfront - This can be done via: 1) Conduct Stakeholder Analysis & derive a RACI matrix (Responsible, Accountable, Consultative Information only ) .This will clearly help to Identify key stakeholders and their roles 2) Build an effective Communication Plan based on the above RACI chart so that no communication strings are dropped 3)Facilitate 1on 1 or group meetings to discuss & CONFIRM their expectations. 4) Internal STakeholders are most likely will be interested in Financial Outcomes & Budget while External STakeholders are more likely to be curious about delays, what went well & lessons Learnt

Continúa la conversación que esa persona ya está teniendo en mente, y no es tema de ser un adivino, es más bien conocer sus KPI′s, las variables macroeconómicas que le podrían estar afectando, incluso revisando sus últimas publicaciones en LinkedIn o otras redes sociales. La gente presta más atención cuando tu expresas con palabras escritas o habladas sus propios pensamientos.

Using simple & precise language when writing to both Internal & External Stakeholders is imperative . Like: 1) Use Crisp Sentences: Example: "Our team has reached our Q3 goals. Your feedback is valuable." 2) Being Succinct: Example: "Our team accomplished [achievement]. We welcome your insights." 3) Avoid writing or furnishing superfluous Details: Example: "We completed the project ahead of schedule" instead of "Our team demonstrated exceptional efficiency, enabling us to finalize the project before the initially projected deadline." 4) Foster Interactive & 2 way Communication Always: Example: "Your Views & Opinion matter sir. Please reply with any questions or feedback."

Honesty and transparency are the foundation of strong stakeholder relationships. Stakeholders value the truth, even when it's not favorable. By being upfront about your company’s performance, challenges, and plans, you build trust and credibility. Avoid spinning the truth or hiding issues; it only damages your reputation in the long run. Acknowledge mistakes, uncertainties, and conflicts of interest openly. This approach not only fosters respect but also strengthens your relationship with stakeholders, showing them that you’re reliable and trustworthy, even when the news isn’t perfect.

Using a deadline in our writing : E,g. " Request you to kindly feedback or respond by not later that say 25 Dec so that we can progress smoothly with the next onward action"

Few methods can be deployed to measure the effectiveness of our post-communication surveys to gauge satisfaction in communication with the stakeholders: 1) Use Emojis in end of our mails ( just like Customer support closure mails) - giving a choice to the receiver on the rating from 1 to 5 2) Achievement of Business Objectives /KPIs: We can evaluate how well our writing communication has contributed to achieving specific business objectives, such as increasing market share or expanding customer reach. 3) Overall our writing is meant for aligning with a COMMON PLATFORM. We need to assess how well our writing / communication aligns with organizational goals or meets specific project objectives.

In my Corporate experience I never ever keep OPEN any communication with Stakeholders. I always close the communication politely so that the ball is not in my court always. Example : Even If I get a "Thank You " mail from a Stakeholder - I will always respond saying " It's my pleasure & please reach out to me in case of any further needs or requirements" 2) In case of any misses of any email communication from toxic Stakeholders - I still write to them mentioning " Hope you are OK in principle & we are thus progressing with your support" - so the communication is closed, recorded & minuted.