Project Stakeholder Perception Matters
- Matt Lenzi
- Jan 24, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 4, 2023
When I begin working with new project teams, one of the first things we discuss is how to guarantee that stakeholder expectations are known, managed, and at a minimum met (if not exceeded). There are not many worse project missteps we can make than ignoring our stakeholders (i.e. project sponsors, end users, customers, project team members, peripherally impacted departments, and often time the government).
Stakeholder management is a critical component of project management and is generally mandatory for a project to be successful. The process involves identifying, analyzing, and managing the expectations and needs of the various stakeholders who are impacted by a project.
Identifying stakeholders: The first step in stakeholder management is identifying all the stakeholders who will be impacted by the project. This includes project team members, customers, sponsors, and any other individuals or groups that will be affected by the project.
Analyzing stakeholders: Once stakeholders have been identified, it's important to analyze their needs, expectations, and potential impact on the project. This includes understanding their level of interest and involvement in the project, as well as their level of support or opposition.
Managing stakeholders: Once stakeholders have been analyzed, it's important to manage their identified expectations and needs throughout the project. This includes communicating with stakeholders regularly, addressing any concerns or issues that may arise, and ensuring that their needs are being met.
Maintaining engagement: Stakeholder engagement is crucial for maintaining their support and buy-in throughout the project. This includes involving stakeholders in project planning and decision making, and providing regular updates on project progress.
Managing conflicts: Stakeholder management also involves managing conflicts that may arise during the project. This includes identifying potential conflicts early on and working to resolve them before they become major issues.
Continuous monitoring: Stakeholder management is not a one-time task, and requires continuous monitoring and adjustments. The stakeholders' needs and expectations may change throughout the project, and the project manager should always be aware of these changes and make adjustments accordingly.
Overall, effective stakeholder management is essential for achieving project success. By identifying, analyzing, and managing the expectations and needs of stakeholders throughout the project life-cycle, you can much better control perception, avoid assumptions, and continuously move your projects towards a solid finish line.
Carpe Diem - ML
For more on Stakeholder Management, the following articles go more in-depth
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