You're launching a new non-profit program. How can you win over skeptical stakeholders and build their trust?

One thing I have found helpful is by listening to stakeholders, and building trust with small incremental steps. It takes time, energy, intention and active listening!

Understand Their Concerns: Begin by empathizing with your stakeholders. Dive deep to discover why they might be skeptical. Is it preference for private revenue generating schemes? Is it a lack of understanding of the solution you propose or the problem you are addressing? Is it their past experiences with development and getting burned? Is it specific business requirements? Understanding their concerns will help you tailor your communications and advocacy efforts.

Establish interest by projecting the accountability and transparency of your program to the public. Show the willingness to engage the public and demonstrate an open environment for change. Introducing a new nonprofit program as a leader, one must be forth coming but adaptable to nuances or situations that arise along the way. The most sustaining element is to create development triages which capture unaddressed issues, influential issues, and challenging issues. Why? Issues are always the heart of the matter. Once the issues are harnessed and heard we can learn to deal within reasonable measure. This will provide a voice of recognition which can project social change for the whole of the community.

Translate Agile Concepts: If your stakeholders come from traditional backgrounds, translate Agile principles into familiar terms. Use simple analogies or real-world examples to demystify Agile practices. For instance, equate 'sprints' to 'trial runs' in prodict development or user stories to 'customer needs'.

nIImnvolve them actively and show, don’t just tell. Invite skeptical s to key ceremonies like Reviews or Sprint Planning Meetings in an Agile framework. Let them see firsthand how the team prioritizes tasks, adapts to change, and delivers incrementally. Personal experience often turns skeptics into advocates.Build Relationships: Cultivate strong relationships with stakeholders. Seek their input and address their concerns openly. Regular communication, transparency, and active listening can help bridge gaps and build trust.Collaborate with Other Nonprofits: Partner with other organizations rather than competing with them.?. Collaborative efforts can strengthen your position and garner support from broader networks of stakeholders.

Provide Data and Market Insights: When introducing a new idea, back it up with data. Give stakeholders a detailed market overview, potential customer insights, and relevant data. Demonstrating a well-researched approach can build confidence and address skepticism.

Highlight Impact and Mission: Emphasize the positive impact your nonprofit or cooperative idea can have. Clearly articulate the mission, vision, and purpose. When stakeholders see value and alignment with their own goals, they may become more supportive.