How do you exceed stakeholder expectations with project deliverables?

2 Manage deliverables proactively

The second step to exceeding stakeholder expectations is to manage your project deliverables proactively and systematically. This means that you should monitor and control the progress, quality, and risks of each deliverable throughout the project lifecycle. You should also use appropriate tools and techniques, such as project management software, deliverable trackers, quality checklists, or peer reviews, to ensure that your deliverables meet the agreed standards and specifications. You should also update your stakeholders regularly on the status and issues of your deliverables and seek their feedback and input.

3 Deliver value and benefits

The third step to exceeding stakeholder expectations is to deliver value and benefits to your stakeholders through your project deliverables. Value and benefits are the positive outcomes and impacts that your deliverables create for your stakeholders, such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, improved customer satisfaction, or enhanced reputation. You should identify and quantify the value and benefits of your deliverables and communicate them clearly and convincingly to your stakeholders. You should also demonstrate how your deliverables align with the strategic goals and priorities of your stakeholders and the organization.

4 Be flexible and adaptable

The fourth step to exceeding stakeholder expectations is to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs and requirements of your stakeholders. Projects are dynamic and complex, and your deliverables may need to be adjusted or modified to accommodate new information, feedback, or circumstances. You should be open and responsive to the change requests and suggestions from your stakeholders and evaluate their impact and feasibility. You should also negotiate and agree on the changes with your stakeholders and update your deliverable definitions and plans accordingly.

5 Deliver on time and within budget

The fifth step to exceeding stakeholder expectations is to deliver your project deliverables on time and within budget. Timeliness and cost-effectiveness are key indicators of your project performance and success, and your stakeholders will appreciate your ability to meet or beat the deadlines and budgets of your deliverables. You should plan and schedule your deliverables realistically and accurately, taking into account the dependencies, resources, and contingencies. You should also track and manage your deliverable costs and resources efficiently and effectively.

6 Solicit feedback and lessons learned

The sixth step to exceeding stakeholder expectations is to solicit feedback and lessons learned from your stakeholders after you deliver your project deliverables. Feedback and lessons learned are valuable sources of information and insight that can help you improve your project processes, practices, and outcomes. You should ask your stakeholders for their opinions, ratings, comments, or suggestions on your deliverables and how they met or exceeded their expectations. You should also document and share your feedback and lessons learned with your team and other stakeholders and use them for future reference and improvement.

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?