Last updated on Sep 2, 2024

What are some effective stakeholder management skills that you have learned or developed over time?

Stakeholder management is a crucial skill for any organizational leader, as it involves identifying, engaging, and influencing the people who have an interest or impact on your project, program, or organization. Effective stakeholder management can help you build trust, align expectations, resolve conflicts, and achieve your goals. In this article, you will learn some of the stakeholder management skills that you have learned or developed over time, and how to apply them in different situations.

1 Identify your stakeholders

The first step in stakeholder management is to identify who your stakeholders are, and what their needs, interests, and preferences are. You can use various tools and techniques, such as stakeholder mapping, analysis, or interviews, to categorize your stakeholders according to their level of power, influence, and interest in your project, program, or organization. This will help you prioritize your communication and engagement efforts, and tailor your messages and strategies to each stakeholder group.

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Gerry Sharpe FACQP

Chief Executive Officer ACQP | Construction Quality Management
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I believe in proactive in engaging stakeholder management. Establishing clear goals, objectives, and expectations for stakeholders Create effective communication channels Address concerns continually and finally Celebrate successes

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2 Communicate effectively

The second step in stakeholder management is to communicate effectively with your stakeholders, using appropriate channels, frequency, and tone. You need to establish clear and consistent communication plans, processes, and protocols, and ensure that your stakeholders receive relevant, timely, and accurate information. You also need to listen actively, ask questions, and provide feedback, to ensure that you understand your stakeholders' perspectives, concerns, and expectations. Communication is not only about sharing information, but also about building rapport, trust, and credibility with your stakeholders.

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Sarita Panigrahi

Consultant & Coach | Operations | Project Management | PMP-PMI | Six Sigma Black Belt-ASQ |
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Targeted communication is the key to effective stakeholder management. The traditional “one size fits all” approach to project communications, such as regular reports need to be supplemented with targeted communication focusing on achieving a desired change in the attitude and/or behavior of the stakeholder. Scenario: The functional manager is obstructing your project, and you need his support to release key resources. Communication strategies for achieving this can range from casual coffee meetings to formal presentations using a range of different media and messengers. You can approach him directly or influence him through your network of contacts. Organizational currency accrued helps win over such stakeholders with ease.

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3 Engage and influence

The third step in stakeholder management is to engage and influence your stakeholders, using various methods, such as consultation, collaboration, negotiation, or persuasion. You need to involve your stakeholders in the decision-making process, and seek their input, feedback, and support. You also need to influence your stakeholders to align their interests and actions with your project, program, or organization's objectives and vision. You can use different tactics, such as appealing to logic, emotion, or values, to persuade your stakeholders to adopt your point of view, or to compromise on a mutually beneficial solution.

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4 Manage expectations and conflicts

The fourth step in stakeholder management is to manage expectations and conflicts, using skills such as empathy, assertiveness, and problem-solving. You need to set realistic and achievable expectations with your stakeholders, and communicate them clearly and frequently. You also need to monitor and measure your performance and progress, and report any deviations or issues to your stakeholders. You also need to anticipate and address any potential or actual conflicts that may arise among or between your stakeholders, and use constructive and respectful approaches to resolve them.

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5 Evaluate and improve

The fifth step in stakeholder management is to evaluate and improve your stakeholder management skills and practices, using tools such as feedback surveys, interviews, or focus groups. You need to collect and analyze data and information from your stakeholders, and assess their level of satisfaction, engagement, and influence. You also need to identify any gaps, challenges, or opportunities for improvement, and implement corrective or preventive actions. You also need to recognize and appreciate your stakeholders' contributions and achievements, and celebrate your successes together.

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Michael J. Ong, CIP, CSFPC

Risk @eBay | Ex Stripe, AWS
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There's an economic way of assessing stakeholder engagement that involves KPI's and any relevant metrics. However, those seeking optimum relational harmony with global stakeholders will soon find that many of the frictional elements are less quantifiable and more so cultural. The suite of core stakeholder engagements (recognition, appreciation, feedback, & celebration) must be conducted in a way that's cognizant of cultural dissimilarities and influences. Keeping these underlying polarities in mind allows national bias to be identified during the data collection process, and promotes sustainable success for human capital.

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6 Develop yourself

The sixth and final step in stakeholder management is to develop yourself as an organizational leader, by continuously learning and growing your stakeholder management skills and competencies. You can use various resources, such as books, courses, podcasts, or mentors, to expand your knowledge and understanding of stakeholder management theories and practices. You can also use self-reflection, feedback, or coaching, to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and set goals and action plans for improvement. You can also seek opportunities to practice and apply your stakeholder management skills in different contexts and scenarios, and learn from your experiences.

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Charles B.

Christian Attorney with Law Enforcement Experience | Seeking to Serve Justice and Communities
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When offered the opportunity for additional training, even coming across free online certificates, don’t shy away from giving them a try. You have the opportunity to create a nexus and area of growth within your organization and your network. When your field is saturated with basic entry credentials, and your experience is only measured in time, but not in projects or achievements, being able to set yourself apart, can be evident not only through your additional knowledge base, but also the diligence and drive it takes to pursue additional educational opportunities. Also, developing that neuroplasticity can give you an edge in addressing projects and problems in unique and innovative ways that can become your niche and brand.

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7 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?

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Laura-Kate Quartermaine

COO | Financial Services | Chief of Staff | Head of Strategy | Executive Governance | Business Performance
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You can’t always know all your stakeholders all the time. Wherever possible, however, strive for creating authentic, positive connections with your stakeholders. And maintain those relationships as you move through and beyond your current organisation. While everyone’s style is a little different, we are all wired to connect with others.

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What are some effective stakeholder management skills that you have learned or developed over time?

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1 Identify your stakeholders

2 Communicate effectively

3 Engage and influence

4 Manage expectations and conflicts

5 Evaluate and improve

6 Develop yourself

7 Here’s what else to consider

Organizational Leadership

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