How do you align team decisions with stakeholder expectations?

1 Identify your stakeholders

The first step is to identify who your stakeholders are and what they care about. You can use a stakeholder analysis tool, such as a power-interest matrix, to map out the level of influence and interest of each stakeholder group. This will help you prioritize your communication and engagement with them. You should also clarify the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, such as who is the decision-maker, who is the advisor, who is the supporter, and who is the resistor.

2 Communicate your goals and scope

The next step is to communicate your team goals and scope clearly and consistently to your stakeholders. You should explain the purpose, objectives, deliverables, and boundaries of your project, as well as the assumptions, risks, and constraints that may affect it. You should also align your goals and scope with the stakeholder expectations and needs, and address any gaps or conflicts that may arise. You can use a project charter, a scope statement, or a project vision board to document and share your goals and scope.

3 Involve your stakeholders in decision-making

The third step is to involve your stakeholders in the decision-making process, especially when the decisions have a significant impact on them or the project. You should seek their input, feedback, and approval at key stages of the project, such as defining the requirements, evaluating the alternatives, selecting the best option, and validating the results. You should also use appropriate decision-making methods, such as consensus, majority vote, or expert opinion, depending on the situation and the stakeholder preferences.

4 Manage stakeholder expectations

The fourth step is to manage stakeholder expectations throughout the project. You should set realistic and measurable expectations, and communicate them clearly and frequently. You should also monitor and report on the progress and performance of your team and the project, and highlight any achievements, issues, or changes that may affect the stakeholder expectations. You should also manage any changes in scope, schedule, budget, or quality, and ensure that they are agreed upon by the relevant stakeholders.

5 Build trust and rapport

The final step is to build trust and rapport with your stakeholders. You should establish and maintain a positive and respectful relationship with them, based on honesty, transparency, and integrity. You should also demonstrate your competence, credibility, and commitment to delivering value and quality to them. You should also acknowledge and appreciate their contributions, concerns, and feedback, and address them promptly and professionally. You should also celebrate your successes and learn from your failures with them.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?