You’re having trouble communicating with senior stakeholders. Can technology help you out?

1 Use the right tools

Technology can offer you various tools to communicate with your senior stakeholders, such as email, video conferencing, project management software, or dashboards. However, not all tools are suitable for every situation. You need to consider the purpose, frequency, and format of your communication, as well as the preferences and availability of your stakeholders. For example, email can be good for sending updates or documents, but not for urgent or complex issues. Video conferencing can be great for building rapport and engaging in dialogue, but not for sharing detailed or confidential information. Project management software can help you track progress and collaborate, but not for presenting high-level results or recommendations. Dashboards can provide a visual overview of key metrics and trends, but not for explaining the rationale or implications of your decisions. Choose the right tools for the right tasks, and avoid using too many or too few tools that may confuse or overwhelm your stakeholders.

2 Adapt your style

Technology can also help you adapt your communication style to suit your senior stakeholders' needs and preferences. You can use technology to collect feedback, analyze data, or create reports that match your stakeholders' expectations and interests. For example, you can use surveys or polls to gather input from your stakeholders on their priorities, concerns, or suggestions. You can use data analysis tools to identify patterns, trends, or insights that are relevant to your stakeholders' goals and challenges. You can use report templates or software to create concise, clear, and compelling reports that highlight your key messages and actions. By adapting your style, you can show your stakeholders that you understand them and value their opinions, and that you can deliver results and solutions that meet their needs.

3 Automate and streamline

Technology can also help you automate and streamline some of the repetitive or tedious tasks involved in communicating with your senior stakeholders, such as scheduling meetings, sending reminders, updating status, or sharing files. By automating and streamlining these tasks, you can save time and energy, and focus on the more strategic and creative aspects of your communication. For example, you can use calendar tools or apps to schedule meetings with your stakeholders, and send them automatic reminders or notifications. You can use project management software or dashboards to update your stakeholders on the progress and milestones of your projects, and alert them of any risks or issues. You can use cloud storage or file sharing platforms to share files and documents with your stakeholders, and ensure that they have access to the latest versions. By automating and streamlining these tasks, you can reduce errors and delays, and increase transparency and accountability.

4 Enhance your skills

Technology can also help you enhance your communication skills, by providing you with opportunities to learn, practice, or improve. You can use technology to access resources, courses, or coaching that can help you develop your senior stakeholder management skills, such as influencing, negotiating, or presenting. You can also use technology to practice your skills, by recording or reviewing your communication with your stakeholders, and seeking feedback or advice. You can also use technology to improve your skills, by applying new techniques, tools, or strategies that can help you communicate more effectively and efficiently. By enhancing your skills, you can increase your confidence and credibility, and build stronger and more productive relationships with your senior stakeholders.

Technology can be a valuable ally in communicating with senior stakeholders, but it is not a magic solution. You still need to use your human skills, such as empathy, listening, or collaboration, to connect and communicate with your stakeholders. You also need to use your judgment, experience, or intuition, to decide when and how to use technology, and when and how to use other methods. Technology can help you out, but only if you use it smartly and appropriately.