When dealing with last-minute stakeholder requests, remember that generic answers for such vague and large topics with 750 character limits are intended for the benefit of training Linkedin's generative AI tools and most of these answers are written by someone else plugging the generic question into a generative AI text dispenser anyway - so maybe think twice before taking anything here seriously. I plugged this question into a few different ones and other answers here are near-verbatim what came back from some (espescially ChatGPT and Claude).

When dealing with last-minute stakeholder requests, it's essential to approach the team with empathy and transparency. First, take time to acknowledge their concerns, as these last-minute changes can feel overwhelming, especially when they’re already managing tight schedules. I’d explain the stakeholder’s perspective, showing how these requests tie into larger goals, like meeting market demands or enhancing player experience. To reduce resistance, work with the team to re-evaluate current priorities, identifying tasks that could be postponed or streamlined to make room for the new requirements. If timelines allow, offering some flexibility—like temporary deadline extensions or additional resources—can help alleviate pressure.

Here are strategies that I find effective: 1.Provide Contextual Clarity: Last-minute requests are often due to changes in business priorities. Helping the team understand the ‘why’ behind these requests aligns their perspective with the bigger picture and reduces tension. 2.Emphasize Skills Growth: Explain that dealing with unexpected tasks is an opportunity to expand technical skills or try new approaches. This can turn resistance into motivation to tackle challenges. 3.Offer Flexibility: Allowing the team to choose their approach within set guidelines fosters a sense of responsibility and reduces frustration, showing that their expertise is valued.

From the description, it might seem that the stakeholder came up with some new idea while the team is being stubborn and disagreeing. If that’s the case, then it’s a mistake. However, it shouldn’t be like that. The stakeholder should approach the team, explain the reasons and benefits of changes in the roadmap and feature list, and sell the idea. The team may disagree and be able to explain why, due to certain expectations or risks, the stakeholder’s plans and goals are unattainable. Note that the stakeholder and the team are not arguing about what they want or don’t want to do, but rather discussing the risks and potential benefits. A dialogue in this format can be constructive.

Start by recognizing the team’s valid concerns and empathize with their position. Then, clarify how adapting to stakeholder requests can strengthen the project’s success, fostering a sense of shared purpose and encouraging teamwork to tackle the challenges together.