Printable Version
In the context of business projects, a stakeholder has nothing to do with grilled meat or tents. In this conversation, a stakeholder is someone who can influence and make decisions related to the project, provide resources, utilize the end product or service, sponsor the initiative, or be impacted by the project.
Where art thou?
I dont believe folks are twiddling their thumbs at work wondering what to do with their time. These days there are constant demands on stakeholder time. There is constant pressure to do more with less that the 9 to 5 job seems mythical. Understandably, its easy to commit oneself in so many directions.
However we have to remember that stakeholders can make or break a project. Even with good intentions, a project can go off-track when a stakeholder is not engaged. Engaged means being available to be part of the team with the required focus, passion, skill and attitude. Lets focus on the being available part, assuming there are no known concerns related to focus, passion, skill and attitude.
Impact to stakeholders and the organization
So what is the impact when stakeholders are unavailable to be part of the project team?
1. Inefficiencies: Decisions are delayed, required information unavailable, scope incorrect, requirements incomplete and revisiting the same issues multiple times.
2. Frustration: Team members frustrated as assumptions made in stakeholder absence prove to be wrong, or the team is constantly bringing a stakeholder up to speed and rehashing out previously worked through items.
3. Poor Result: Lack of stakeholder expertise and input results in a less than desirable end product.
4. Image: Stakeholder is tarnished as someone not committed to the business and/or someone with limited management and leadership ability.
To summarize, there is potential for a very disastrous situation - for the project, the stakeholders and you.
Making a change
Here are some great techniques to help out:
1. Prioritize: A key skill is being able to identify what activity needs attention now and what can be ignored, delegated or postponed. Sounds easy, however implementing this discipline is challenging for many. Those that diligently apply this skill are amazed at the increase in productivity.
2. Maximize Impact: Consider how to maximize impact during the times of interaction. Ask, "What is needed from me, and what do you need from others to succeed?" Prepare and be proactive rather than reacting to situations. Rudyard Kipling gives us some great advice that can be used when contemplating an approach to most situations:
I keep six honest serving-men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
3. Speak Dont Hide: Tell people about constraints and seek flexible ways of accomplishing responsibilities. Everything cant be done at the same time. Talking to colleagues about these challenges and having a dialogue brings more clarity and understanding. And at the end of the day, if you think its not possible, say something to those who can influence the situation! Working hard and hoping the situation will rectify itself is not the wisest move. And if your organization considers it weakness to ask questions or speak candidly, they have bigger issues to tackle. Just dont ignore project responsibilities - we all know what the end result will be.
Vijay is the Principal and Founder of VARUNE Project Leadership. With over 17 years of project management and consulting experience across the United Kingdom, Ireland, Portugal, India and the USA with major companies, Vijay is esteemed among clients and peers as an Exceptionally well qualified instructor of project management practices & processes - energetic, engaging and knowledgeable. Vijay received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Cranfield School of Management, UK, is a Certified Project Management Professional (PMP®), a Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®), a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and an Energy Leadership™ Index Master Practitioner (ELI-MP).
VARUNE Project Leadership
Central New Jersey
(609) 799-4747
info_varune.com
© 2010 VARUNE Project Leadership
