What are the best strategies for effective stakeholder communication during a project launch?

The following ways can be implemented: - Build RACI matrix - Mail the recipients accordingly - Schedule calls with stakeholders at right frequency - Build more iterations to communicate the built to the stakeholder

It’s important, as a first step, to identify who the stakeholder will be. To do this block out the chain of stakeholders and also note down their relationship to you (vertical/ horizontal). It also helps to identify what expectation each of them has towards you. Once the above are understood, you would have a clear mapping of your stakeholder responsibilities in order to proceed to the next stage.

Know the "why" behind the project and then highlight the points that are essential to be pointed out to stakeholders for essentially reflecting the purpose of the project. Stakeholders interest lies mostly in the way the concept is put forth and the vision shown for the successful outcome achieved.

Identifying and mapping stakeholders early is usually almost like half the work done, this sets the ball rolling on messaging, multi channel communication and two way communication. In my experience working with communities, early sensitization and identification of stakeholders gives you a chance to anticipate concerns and address them proactively in your launch communications.

Start by brainstorming who your stakeholders are. As part of this, think of all the people who are affected by your work, who have influence or power over it, or who have an interest in its successful or unsuccessful conclusion. Whatever approach is used, there are three essential steps in stakeholder analysis: 1) Identifying the key stakeholders and their interests (positive or negative) in the project; 2) Assessing the influence of, the importance of, and level of impact upon each stakeholder; and 3) Identifying how best to engage stakeholders.

A communication plan should be easy to understand and should not be complex for stakeholders to understand. The plan should include the different means that will be adopted for this purpose.

Communication plans define what information should be communicated, who should receive that information when that information should be delivered, where (e.g., email, social media, mail) communication will be shared, and how those communications will be tracked and analyzed. A communication plan is an agreement between collaborators and stakeholders that outlines what, when, and how information will be shared at key intervals. Information like status updates, task-related questions, and meeting details should all be included in this written guide.

Use channels relevant to the project and also consider the familiarity of the stakeholders with the medium of communication; otherwise, it will be less effective.

Consider creating a collaboration space that all of your stakeholders have access to, with private spaces also available to help with access control if you have sensitive information to share. If your stakeholders are busy but are still engaged in the project consider recording them a video instead of having to reschedule meetings.

Craft a message that will convey the important points and leave very little space for ambiguity or confusion, and this can only be achieved if we know the outcome we want to get from the stakeholders in response to the message.

It is very important to stay transparent and maintain your message in an eloquent fashion. Remember to craft your messages and tailor them to your specific stakeholders and how they receive information. Think of it as a press briefing: stay on topic and do not confuse your audience with unnecessary information.

These need to be short and targeted to your audience! They start with what you want the recipient to do - and provides an avenue for how they should respond.

The core areas are 1, self assessment and 2 is practice active listening with empathy. Self assessment reflects your communication patterns. Seek feedback from others. Active listening such as pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues, Avoid interrupting, ask clarifying questions and summarize and paraphrase.