Chapter 84. Engage Stakeholders All Through Project Life
GOOD WORKING RELATIONSHIPS with stakeholders who have significant influence on the outcomes of a project are vital. Stakeholders are individuals and groups, both inside and outside the organization, who can influence the success of the project, and/or anyone who can be affected by the project.
Project managers should have a stakeholder engagement plan that includes identification of stakeholders, an assessment of their degree of influence, and an assessment of their favorability toward the project. Use this plan to deliberately build support.
Engage stockholders early and keep them involved through project completion. Be sure you know the business need for the project they support. Work toward aligning the needs of all of the key stakeholders, not just the top few.
It's always pertinent to find out what the key stakeholders need to become visible and vocal advocates for the project, and how the project can be made to be a win for them, as well as for your team.
Once your project plan reflects the needs of the key stakeholders, insist that they demonstrate their commitment by providing the resources needed to support the project. This gives you an army of investors to fight outside stakeholders with no money or services who may want to stop the project.
It is advisable to assign a single point of ...
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