The Shake and Stake

Stakeholders are anyone and everyone that is impacted by your project, whether personal or professional. You could be making a bridge, planning a wedding, doing a family dinner, planning a trip…all of these will directly and indirectly impact many individuals. Knowing this, we can take improved actions to build relationships and create more success without shaking things up. If interested, here are 15 ways to increase success with your stakeholders...

1. No matter if personal or professional, effective communication is critical. Maintain open and transparent communication channels to keep stakeholders informed about progress, challenges, and decisions.

2. Involve stakeholders from the early planning stages to gather insights and increase their sense of ownership. It is easier to course correct at the front end rather than disappoint and have to make more changes later.

3. Be pro-active in addressing concerns or issues raised by stakeholders promptly and effectively.

4. Be adept at managing conflicts and finding mutually agreeable solutions among stakeholders. People need Conflict Management skills, they weren’t born with them.

5. Regularly show the positive impact of their involvement and how it aligns with their interests.

6. Establish a feedback loop where stakeholders can provide input and influence decisions. What is the process for change? How do people in a family voice concerns?

7. Involve stakeholders in decision-making processes that impact them, fostering a sense of ownership.

8. Keep stakeholders informed about possible risks and mitigation strategies to ensure they are prepared.

9. Pay attention to stakeholders' concerns, suggestions, and feedback…show that you value their input. Do not listen to respond, listen to understand.

10. Take time to understand the specific needs and expectations of each stakeholder group. You might want to create a Stakeholder Matrix to help keep track of important details.

11. Define and communicate clear goals and objectives, ensuring everyone understands what needs to be achieved.

12. Checkpoints and updates are critical. Provide regular updates on project status, even if there aren't significant changes. This will help to maintain engagement and trust.

13. Be realistic about what can be achieved and ensure stakeholders have reasonable expectations. Under promise and over deliver.

14. Respect, recognition and validation are extremely important. Recognize and acknowledge stakeholders' contributions and support, demonstrating that their involvement is valued.

15. Customize your engagement approach to the needs and preferences of each stakeholder group.

Don’t forget that you are also a stakeholder as well…and your needs must be balanced within the project whatever you are doing. Here is to your success with stakeholders that are counting on you and that you are counting on as well.

Much love and all my best,

Dave