What are the most effective ways to communicate the feasibility of a solution to stakeholders?

1 Know your audience

The first step to communicate the feasibility of your solution is to understand who your stakeholders are, what their needs and expectations are, and how they prefer to receive information. Different stakeholders may have different criteria for evaluating feasibility, such as cost, time, quality, risk, or impact. You need to tailor your message to address their specific concerns and questions, and use the language and format that they are familiar with. For example, if your stakeholders are technical experts, you may want to use more data and details, while if they are decision-makers, you may want to use more stories and benefits.

2 Use evidence and logic

The second step to communicate the feasibility of your solution is to support your claims with evidence and logic. Evidence can include data, facts, examples, testimonials, or case studies that demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of your solution. Logic can include clear and coherent arguments, explanations, or comparisons that show how your solution meets the criteria and objectives of the problem. You need to use evidence and logic that are relevant, reliable, and convincing for your stakeholders, and avoid making assumptions, generalizations, or exaggerations.

3 Show benefits and value

The third step to communicate the feasibility of your solution is to show the benefits and value that your solution can deliver to your stakeholders and the wider context. Benefits can include the positive outcomes, advantages, or improvements that your solution can provide to the problem situation, such as increased efficiency, satisfaction, or quality. Value can include the alignment, contribution, or impact that your solution can make to the vision, mission, or goals of your stakeholders or the organization. You need to show how your solution can create value for your stakeholders and the problem context, and how it can address their pain points or aspirations.

4 Address challenges and risks

The fourth step to communicate the feasibility of your solution is to address the potential challenges and risks that your solution may face or pose. Challenges can include the difficulties, obstacles, or barriers that may hinder the implementation or success of your solution, such as resource constraints, technical issues, or resistance. Risks can include the negative consequences, uncertainties, or threats that may arise from your solution, such as errors, failures, or conflicts. You need to acknowledge the challenges and risks that your solution may encounter or create, and explain how you plan to overcome or mitigate them.

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?