What do your stakeholders want?

The other day I spoke with a colleague about the design thinking process. While initially generated for product design, the framework has grown to be applied within many industries as a great problem-solving tool. As we discussed the framework, our attention kept returning to its first element: Empathize.

Do we typically do this first when solving a problem? Probably not.

Should we do this more? Probably.

While it seemed basic and obvious, we realized that the most logical approach is not always the most commonly used. So today I bring this question to you: what do your stakeholders want?

I'm going to make some assumptions about you, my stakeholders.

I'm going to assume that you don't always think about your stakeholders first when making a decision. If you're like many of the people I speak with, you might think about your priorities or preferences first. You might bring your stakeholders' perspectives into the mix second.

I'm also going to assume that you might like to change your approach, as you've signed up for a self-reflection newsletter. If so, keep reading.

Today, I invite you to think about your stakeholders. If you have a large stakeholder population, narrow it down to focus on one particular audience that's important to you. Consider their perspective. Empathize. Then, decide if you need to realign your strategy to meet their needs.

It can be easy to get caught up in the same way of doing things. Sometimes this repetition can lead to increased efficiency and productivity. Other times, it can lead to myopia and ineffectiveness.

Take a few minutes to think about the people who are most important to you right now. Put their perspective first. You might be surprised by what you learn.

Self-reflection:

Who are your stakeholders?

What do your stakeholders want?

Why might it be important to them?

How will you adjust to better serve them?