You're tasked with aligning stakeholders on a digital strategy. How do you navigate conflicting priorities?

Priorities can only be assessed when we have a good understanding of how they impact stakeholders and their teams. Not just after delivery, but during delivery too. Map the inputs needed for each initiative. Who needs to contribute? How much work is that? If we do everything simultaneously, where are the pinch points? Can all stakeholders commit to all deliverables in a timely manner? The answer is usually no. So everything gets delayed, deadlines are missed, budgets exceed and everyone gets frustrated. It's often more efficient to do things consecutively rather than concurrently. If we recognise that at the beginning we can avoid a lot of pain. So how to prioritise? Focus first on the most important business outcomes.

To align stakeholders on a digital strategy, begin by deeply understanding their individual needs and priorities. Conduct one-on-one discussions or workshops to gather insights on what each stakeholder values most. This helps to uncover underlying concerns and goals, making it easier to identify common ground. By showing empathy and acknowledging each stakeholder's perspective, you can build trust and pave the way for more collaborative decision-making.

Align Stakeholders with Clear Objectives in Digital Strategy ???? ? Define SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. ? Align with Business Goals: Ensure objectives support overall company vision. ? Mitigate Conflicts: Focus discussions on collective outcomes. ? Foster Shared Purpose: Unite stakeholders under common objectives. Successfully aligning stakeholders starts with setting clear, shared goals. This process transforms individual agendas into a unified strategy, focusing efforts on achieving common objectives that benefit the entire organization.

Engaging in a dialogue and listening to the users feedback would help gather details which would help in crafting relevant solutions. It will also help build trust with the customers/users that their voices are being heard. Another big advantage would be that unique perspectives can be brought to light which may not have been known earlier

Data is a powerful tool for bridging the gap between stakeholders with differing priorities. By presenting clear, quantitative data, you can shift the focus from personal preferences to objective analysis. Data-driven scenarios highlight the potential impact of various strategic options, making it easier for stakeholders to align around what’s best for the organization. This approach not only fosters more productive discussions but also builds consensus based on evidence and projections, ensuring that decisions are made in the best interest of the company as a whole.

Begin by organizing a meeting with all key stakeholders to discuss their priorities and concerns. Use this opportunity to clearly present the overall vision and objectives of the digital strategy. Identify common goals and areas of overlap among stakeholders’ priorities to build a foundation for agreement. Facilitate open discussions where each stakeholder can voice their needs and preferences, and work towards understanding the underlying motivations behind their priorities. Use data and insights to highlight how aligning with the digital strategy will benefit the organization as a whole. Propose a phased approach or compromise solutions that address the most critical concerns while still advancing the overall strategy.

Outline the strategy’s goals, benefits, and rationale, ensuring all stakeholders understand how their concerns are being addressed. Engage stakeholders early by seeking their input and feedback, demonstrating that their perspectives are valued. Identify common objectives and priorities to build agreement and align interests. Use data-driven justifications to support the strategy, showing how it aligns with overall business goals and provides tangible benefits. Be open to compromise solutions, offering phased approaches or adjustments that address stakeholder concerns while preserving the strategy’s core vision. Foster positive relationships and build trust by being open, respectful, and responsive.