What are the best practices for engaging stakeholders unfamiliar with product development?

Me personally, I've realized the importance of understanding the unique perspectives of stakeholders. It's not just about conveying the technicalities; it's about translating them into a language that resonates with the stakeholder's interests and concerns. When I use relatable analogies, human storytelling, and clear infographics or in this case, visual aids can help to reduce the knowledge gap between the two teams. At the end of the day, it's about building a shared vision and ensuring everyone feels invested in the product's success.

In my opinion, all the Stakeholders, come with their own set of perspectives, challenges and timelines. It is very important to understand each of their perspectives. Keeping a clear transparent communication and managing all their expectations is the key. They may or may not understand the nuances of Product development which is why it's very important to follow the unconventional strategy of "Under-commit and Over-deliver". This sets up the premise of gaining valuable trust amongst stakeholders while keeping them in loop with what's happening and why things are challenging for the team and manages the expectations from the start. Also it is very important to give them visibility on what team is working and why it's addressed first.

Engaging such stakeholders could be a challenging endeavor, yet an essential part a successful project development. Firstly, there is a need to define the objective of product to develop clearly. Clearly communicating the goals, objectives and scope is crucial and important. Need to create visual aids such as flowcharts, diagrams and visual timelines that illustrate product development process and this should simplify complex ideas and make them more accessible to stakeholders unfamiliar with the product domain. Institute regular updates sessions where you promote 2 way communication with the stakeholders. Finally, provide real life examples of similar successful products to help stakeholders understand the potential outcomes of product

It is critical as we as a product managers provide clarity of expectation and scope e.g, basis on stakeholders type we have to let them understand the capabilities , knowing about them in advance give us their perspective so that we build our messages and communications on that It becomes absolutely necessary to communicate in manner that is understandable by everyone and sometimes it needs to be modified according to type of stakeholder

The product owner is backed by a professional, efficient, innovative, economic and unique product development team - creating the perfect and only must have solution. Now; - to cross the glitch and make independent stakeholders feel the same, it seems a little more complicated, considering that not everyone is that optimistic as the product owner itself. Do not attempt to sell your product to the independent stakeholder. Incorporate the product as perfect solution into the stakeholders individual needs and wishes. To do so, you will have to know the stakeholders Who, Where, When, What info - therefore homework is requested. In todays complicated and fast pacing world, off the shelf product sales mostly do not work for complex solutions.

It's about finding the right balance between clarity and depth. Sometimes, technical terms are unavoidable, and stakeholders can appreciate being treated as capable of understanding complex concepts. Instead of entirely avoiding jargon, consider providing brief explanations or context to enhance comprehension.

Besides avoiding the use of complicated words and think about what each group of people really needs to know. Not every small thing is important for everyone involved. Share different information with different groups, based on what they need. Use simple words to make it clear. This way, everyone gets the information they need in a way they can understand.

Use Plain Language: Avoid technical jargon or industry-specific terms that may confuse unfamiliar stakeholders. Explain Technical Terms: If technical terms are necessary, provide simple explanations. Clarity is Key: Ensure that your messages are clear, concise, and easily digestible. Speak Plainly: Deliver your message in straightforward language that everyone can comprehend, regardless of their familiarity. Check for Understanding: Encourage stakeholders to ask for clarifications if anything is unclear, promoting open and transparent communication. Adapt Your Language: Be ready to adapt your communication style based on the feedback and questions of your audience, striving for maximum clarity.

Here is my personal technique to explain what is "product management" to colleagues who have never heard about it: take your smartphone, and show me your favorite app ! ?? For instance, if it is Whatsapp, you can explain to your colleague that new things have appeared recently, such as reactions with emoji directly on messages. This new feature has been implemented by a "product manager" and his/her team of developers. Thus, each time there is a Whatsapp update you see on Apple Store/Play Store, there is a Product Manager behind it !

To engage stakeholders unfamiliar with product development, avoid jargon and use simple, clear language that explains the product's value and benefits. Analogies, metaphors, or stories can be used to make points more relatable and memorable.

I think that Utilizing compelling visual aids such as mockups, prototypes, demos, and videos will vividly showcase the product's vision, functionality, and positive user feedback. This hands-on presentation fosters a deeper understanding, making complex concepts more accessible. By employing these visual tools, one bridge the gap between technical details and stakeholder comprehension, ultimately enhancing buy-in and collaboration.

Visual Aids: Use visual tools such as mockups and prototypes for representation of the product. Demonstrations: Arrange live demonstrations to showcase how the product works in real-time. Videos: Create video presentations that walk stakeholders through the product's features and benefits. User Feedback: Share feedback from actual users. User Testing: Invite stakeholders to participate in user testing sessions, allowing them to interact with the product firsthand. Feedback Sessions: Conduct interactive feedback sessions to address any concerns and gather input directly from stakeholders. Beta Testing: Offer stakeholders the opportunity to be part of a beta testing group, where they can use and provide valuable input for improvement.

Personally, the first touchpoint I had with Product roles in a company had been during my internship as a business developer ?? I had been invited to a meeting with other interns, by a Product Owner, and she just showed us the new version of the screen she was working on with her team. She asked us to explain what was happening in our minds, and if we understood all that was written on that screen. I realized afterwards that we were doing a group user testing session ! And that engaged me for the first time with product management methods ??

To make the unfamiliar familiar, show stakeholders what your product does, don't just talk about it. Use things they can see like mockups, demos, or videos to explain your product's purpose and how it works. Let them join in user testing or feedback sessions so they can experience your product firsthand. This will help them understand your product's worth and potential improvements.

"Visualize to realize: Reveal the product's promise through demos and prototypes, letting stakeholders see the potential and participate in the creation journey."

I have seen 1:1 chat with stakeholders help a lot as several times stakeholders will have personalized doubts that most likely they might not ask when you send broadcast email updates or have monthly team check-in with group of stakeholders.

Surveys and Polls: Collect feedback through surveys and polls, which allow stakeholders to express their opinions conveniently. Interviews: Conduct one-on-one interviews to gain deeper insights and understand individual perspectives on the product. Workshops: Organize collaborative workshops that facilitate group discussions and idea generation. Brainstorming Sessions: Encourage stakeholders to participate in brainstorming sessions to generate creative solutions and ideas. Idea Validation: Seek input on product concepts to validate their feasibility and alignment with stakeholder needs. Prioritization Involvement: Involve stakeholders in the prioritization process to ensure that their most critical concerns are addressed.

Product development involves not just directing, but also listening to people who aren't used to it. Their ideas and feedback can guide product choices. Techniques like surveys or interviews can be used to gather their thoughts. Involving them in ideation, validation, and prioritization can foster a sense of importance and respect, increasing their likelihood to support the product.

"Dialogue for growth: Actively seek and integrate stakeholder feedback, forging a collaborative path that elevates the product and enriches the journey for all."

Empathetic listening to understand the concerns and viewpoints of unfamiliar stakeholders is essential. It always helps if you can show empathy and address their questions and doubts respectfully.

Educational Resources: Develop educational materials such as blogs, webinars, newsletters, or podcasts. Best Practices Sharing: Share best practices and lessons learned through these educational materials. Interactive Platforms: Utilize platforms like communities, forums, or social media. Open Dialogue: Encourage a dialogue with your audience on these platforms. Cultural Insight: Share insights into your organization's culture and values. Advocate Development: Empower stakeholders to become advocates and champions for your product. Building Trust: Through education and empowerment, you're building trust with stakeholders. Trust is essential for collaboration and long-term success in product development.

In my journey as a product manager, engaging stakeholders unfamiliar with product development has been a nuanced yet crucial task. One fundamental practice is knowing your audience intimately. Before diving into communication, understanding their goals, preferences, and background enables a tailored approach. Jargon is a significant barrier, and I've found that using simple and clear language, devoid of technical complexities, is key. Analogies and visual aids, such as prototypes or demos, become powerful tools to convey product concepts vividly. Importantly, engagement is a two-way street.

"Enlighten and engage: Share the product's story and process, turning stakeholders into informed advocates equipped to champion the vision with passion."

Simple technique to educate stakeholders about product management: show them best-in-class product, and then the product you are working on. This exercise allows them to see the (long ?) way ahead until having a good product ??

In wrapping up, chatting with folks who aren't familiar with product development isn't just an opportunity to educate—it's a chance to inspire! Sharing your knowledge, top tips, and the lessons you've learned through channels such as blogs, newsletters, webinars, or podcasts can really engage your audience. Why not strike up a conversation and share ideas in communities, forums, or on social media? The more they understand about your product, the process behind it, and the culture of your company, the more likely they are to become not just users, but champions of your product. Let's get the conversation started!

Make them feel seen and heard! We are all people with feelings and needs, and making sure your stakeholders are valued, understood, and supported is crucial in product development. Surveys, Chat Channels, Open-Mic calls, and transparent availability make users feel more at ease to send you that "so I was thinking..." message.

Organising workshops and letting stakeholders participate, share their inputs and asking for their opinions is a good way to introduce them to product management, also using frameworks to define their thoughts can be a decent way.

Use storytelling to explain the product's journey. Narratives can be a powerful way to convey the project's purpose, challenges, and successes in a relatable and engaging manner. Develop a roadmap that outlines the product's key milestones and timelines. This roadmap provides a visual representation of the product's progress and future plans. Tailor your approach to the specific needs and preferences of your audience to ensure they stay engaged and supportive throughout the project.

Picture this: by understanding your audience, you tailor your message for maximum impact. Use simple language that resonates, ensuring clarity in communication. The magic happens when you show, not just tell. Demonstrate your product in action—make it tangible. Now, here's the key: actively seek feedback. It's a two-way street, transforming stakeholders into collaborators. Education is your secret weapon. Empower stakeholders with knowledge, creating a foundation for informed decisions. And don't forget the magic of AI and the LinkedIn community. Tap into diverse perspectives, leveraging collective wisdom to navigate uncharted territories.

For suitable Stakeholders, using one-on-one sessions and child-like explanations, complemented by visual aids, can make a significant difference. The goal is to demystify the process and make it accessible, relatable, and less intimidating, ultimately fostering a better understanding and buy-in from stakeholders. One-on-One Sessions: -Personalized Attention -Active Listening -Iterative Education -Tailor explanations to their background and experience. Explaining Like a 5-Year-Old: -Use jargon-free language. -Break down the development process into easy-to-digest steps -Narrate a story to illustrate the project's journey Use Visual Aids like flowcharts, infographics, mind maps, before-and-after visuals.