What is it?
The stakeholders analysis focuses on putting stakeholders on the map in a conscious way. Stakeholders are people or organizations that are (positively or negatively) influenced by or able to influence the project. By explicitly running a stakeholders analysis with the project team, (future) project obstacles will be exposed early on. Preparing for this with communication and action increases the opportunity for a successful project.
Examples of stakeholders are: employees, managers, shareholders, customers, suppliers, government and community.
Getting started
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The Stakeholders analysis starts with a brainstorm session. Who are (relevant) stakeholders in the project? Enter them into the screen and add information about why these stakeholders could be relevant.
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Then select the grid for Influence Interest. Team members can position stakeholders accordingly in this grid.
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Now we draw up a communication plan for the different stakeholders. General rules for the plan per quadrant are:
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Influential high level of interest (red): these are key people! Use their (positive) influence in the project.
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Influential low level of interest (orange): Make sure the wishes of this group are met.
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Less influential high level of interest (yellow): Involve this group, if useful to the project.
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Less influential low level of interest (green): This is the least important group. Only invest time in this group if strictly necessary.
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Tips and best practices
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It is tempting to skip this technique in order to speed things up. Experience shows though that running this analysis is always worth the (time) investment.
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The Stakeholders analysis can be a sensitive matter. After all, we are talking about positions and peoples behavior. Please be aware of this. The Stakeholders analysis is primarily for internal use within the project team.
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Look further than just the formal functions and positions of employees. It can occur that a stakeholders network and informal position has a much greater influence than his/her role implies.
LeanCoach
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Next week in this LeanCoach blog series: Measure Brainstorm.
