Passion, Persistence, and Patience by Alfonso Bucero

Author:Alfonso Bucero
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Business Expert Press

Learn from Your Stakeholders

My attitude is always positive. But somedays my mood is not very good, then I need to do an attitude check. The project management industry has put a lot of focus in recent years on the importance of stakeholder relationships. Project management practitioners and leading thinkers in the field have emphasized that a good project manager isn’t just someone who is good at keeping track of all the tasks that need to be completed. A good project manager is also someone who can balance stakeholder needs and interests and ensure that all parties pull together and support the project in delivering a valuable outcome.

But how does the project manager make this happen?

1. Understand who the stakeholders are.

The first step in building great relationships with project stakeholders is to understand who they are. Many projects get delayed or end up not delivering the value they promised because the project manager failed to identify and engage all of the stakeholders. This means that essential requirements, needs, or insights might have been missed.

To find out who all the stakeholders could be, brainstorm groups and individuals who have an interest in the project or who will be affected by it. Whenever you identify a stakeholder, ask them if there’s anyone else they believe you need to speak to. Keep going until you’re sure you have identified all of them.

2. Pinpoint stakeholders with high levels of power and influence.

If you are leading a large project, you won’t be able to spend an equal amount of time with every stakeholder. Naturally, you will have to engage and learn about every group or person you have identified, but the people you need to concentrate your efforts on those with the most power and influence.

Look at all the stakeholders on your list and assess who the three to five most impactful people are, that is, those who have the power to define your project, who can affect its direction, and who can help move it forward. Always make sure that your relationships with these influential decision makers are the best that they can be.

3. Engage in one-to-one conversation.

Building great relationships isn’t about the amount of time you spend with someone, but about the quality of that time. Consider for instance how many people you interact with in meetings without knowing much about them. Great relationships are built through one-to-one conversations where you can find out more about what makes each person tick. Stakeholders are busy people, so respect their time by keeping your discussions as short as possible. Come prepared and let them know that the purpose of the meeting is to uncover anything that can help the project be successful—including how the two of you will be working together.

4. Seek to understand their world.

At the most fundamental level, project stakeholders will only open up to you and trust you when they feel that you understand them and that you have their best interests at heart. Your most important task is to enquire about their

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