How do you manage stakeholder expectations and feedback?

Collect the stakeholders with high power, and low power and their needs, requirements, and expectations through the stakeholder register. You need to identify the type of communication they will be preferred. What, when, and how they will require the information on a high-level or detail-oriented daily or weekly basis? Engage stakeholders to get their concerns and expectations regularly. Getting feedback and input will help to improve and satisfy the stakeholder's expectations. You should set clear and realistic expectations from the start, and communicate them clearly and consistently

However, the task of identifying appropriate stakeholders is often easier said than done. In a complex, multi-layered organisation it is increasingly difficult to navigate through the maze of complex organisation & team structures. This navigation challenge is further compounded when an organisation has recently witnessed mergers of one or more departments/teams. This is because the people within these departments are in the midst of discovering their role and influence in the team, they are usually unclear what their responsibilities cover. In order to address this challenge, you may need to be brave to contextualise the overall organisation culture, engage with the leaders and also take into account any 'office politics'.

The 'number' and 'type' of stakeholders (internal, external, seniority, etc.) can vary from one stage of a project/initiative to the next, so whilst it's prudent to identify them at an early stage, you must factor in some level of flexibility and accept that it can change over time.

One thing I have found useful is that having a clear scope for the project is key in the successful identification of the appropriate stakeholders. I would also suggest that some initial interview (discovery sessions) can help you identify indirect stakeholders, which may not be directly involved in the project.

Start by identifying all stakeholders associated with the project. This includes both internal and external parties who have an interest, influence, or impact on the project. Categorize them based on their level of influence, interest, and potential impact on the project's success.

Communication to your stakeholders should be regularly, clearly, honestly and consistently, but it's also important to send the right message at the right time. This will increase stakeholder engagement and prepare them for critical decision making. Of course you need to communicate to your stakeholders when a project is in trouble or there is a risk to meeting your objectives as soon as possible, but you don’t want that to be the first news that they hear from you. Make sure you have put in the groundwork with your stakeholder relationships to build some trust and credibility first.

It is worth to mention that each stakeholder may have different communication needs (e.g. depending on their involvement in the project or level) and that should be taken into consideration in the communication plan. Early and proactive communication is key for the successful outcome of a project.

Each stakeholder may have different needs (e.g. based on project involvement or level). An approach which has worked for me in the past is to categorise the stakeholders based on Influence and Impact like below: Low Impact, High Influence: Keep satisfied High Impact, High Influence: Manage closely Low Impact, Low Influence: Maintain awareness High Impact, Low Influence: Keep informed

As a Product Manager, I find it useful to think of my stakeholders as users. That means: 1. Understanding their needs, motivations, priorities & concerns 2. Empathizing with them 3. Managing their expectations 4. Frequently asking for feedback and making adjustments 5. Building lasting relationships with them

Actively engage with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. This involves fostering open and transparent communication channels, providing regular updates, and encouraging feedback. Establishing a collaborative environment early on helps build trust and ensures that stakeholders feel valued and informed.

To manage stakeholders expectations and feedback establish clear communication channels, actively listen and regularly update them on progress. Address concerns promptly, seek input, and adjust strategies accordingly. Building trust and transparency is key to effective stakeholder management. "Don't Go along with your Stakeholders, grow along with your Stakeholders"

Regular updates and transparency are very important as mentioned. Including the appropriate stakeholders in the decision-making process is also key and can help in managing expectations.

It is important to ask a mix of open and closed questions to drive continuous improvement at the end of a project. The feedback must be specific, measureable and actionable to take into the next project process.

Establish clear, open lines of communication and set realistic, mutually agreed-upon goals from the start. Regularly update stakeholders on progress and challenges, actively seek their feedback and address concerns promptly. By maintaining transparency and demonstrating responsiveness to their input, you build trust, align expectations with project realities, and ensure a collaborative approach to achieving successful outcomes.

- Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and accommodate cultural differences among stakeholders, ensuring that your communication is respectful and inclusive. - Two-Way Communication: Foster a culture of two-way communication, encouraging stakeholders to share their thoughts and concerns openly. - Adaptability: Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances. Anticipate potential shifts in stakeholder expectations and be prepared to adjust your strategies accordingly. - Conflict Resolution: Develop effective conflict resolution mechanisms to address disagreements or disputes among stakeholders. Timely resolution helps maintain a positive project environment.