Introduction No matter the project size, the most crucial aspect is understanding its mission and
requirements—The Scope. This involves gathering and consolidating the appropriate documentation
within the project charter. However, documenting clear project requirements necessitates the
involvement of stakeholders or customers. Additionally, one should anticipate and prepare for changes
throughout the project’s lifecycle.
Stakeholder Collaboration Collaborating with team members and stakeholders is essential in any
organization. Whether stakeholders are internal, such as owners, directors, or functional managers, or
external, like government entities, vendors, or special interest groups, effective communication is key.
The stakeholder verification process must be consistent and transparent, requiring project managers to
foster open and honest collaboration without intimidation.
Stakeholder Verification To ensure a consistent and transparent stakeholder verification process, the
first step is to identify the stakeholders and their roles. Not all stakeholders have the same level of
interest or influence, and recognizing this is crucial for verification and time management. A stakeholder
must have an influence or interest that impacts the project, and these individuals, groups, or
organizations are significantly invested in the company’s success.
- The Stakeholder Matrix, or stakeholder mapping, is a visual tool similar to stakeholder analysis,
assessing stakeholders and their involvement level in the project. - The Stakeholder Register is a comprehensive tool listing key stakeholder information, including
names, contact information, positions, roles, requirements, expectations, and classifications. - While the stakeholder register identifies key relationships, stakeholder analysis provides an in-
depth view of stakeholder needs in terms of their power and interest. - Data gathering tools such as questionnaires, surveys, and brainstorming sessions help identify
stakeholders. - Expert judgment and meetings, including facilitation workshops and guided discussions, are
techniques to gather stakeholder information.
Stakeholder Management Once stakeholders are identified, the work is far from over. Stakeholders
must be analyzed and managed throughout the project’s duration. Questions regarding stakeholder
preferences, attitudes, and organization must be addressed for efficient management.
While the stakeholder register identifies key contacts, stakeholder analysis offers more detailed
information. Although some project teams use both tools simultaneously, it’s best to keep them
separate in the stakeholder management plan. The Stakeholder Matrix serves as a visual aid,
highlighting stakeholders’ interest and influence levels and facilitating quick adjustments to the
stakeholder list.
Managing Stakeholder Information Managing stakeholder information is critical. The stakeholder
analysis evaluates changes and includes new stakeholders as needed. Effective stakeholder
management involves excellent communication and is crucial for project success. Successful project
outcomes depend on supporting those in favor of the project and winning over detractors.
Conclusion Regardless of the project methodology—agile, traditional, waterfall—or size, verifying the
proper stakeholders is consistent and necessary. This saves time for both the project manager and the
stakeholders while fulfilling their expectations. Proper stakeholder management reflects positively
across the entire project.