The thinking you have done so far in the process is likely to be useless unless you get active. Careful preparation before you engage your stakeholders will increase the probability that you’ll achieve your goal. And this stage is all about preparation. It explores a wide range of different topics related to engaging with stakeholders. Each of these topics could justify a book in its own right, so what I have tried to do is keep it simple and brief. Where I think it useful, I have also referenced other books which can be found in the library.
One of the temptations with the Stakeholder Influence Process is to fly into action as soon as you get the first big flash of inspiration. That may well yield the result you want, but please consider pausing just a moment longer to make a clear decision about how you wish to tackle each individual stakeholder. You have your strategy – who you want to move and where – now you need to develop your engagement approach or plan.
The way you apply the ideas below will vary widely, depending on the Influencing Goal you are working on and the stakeholder you need to influence. Some may have no relevance to what you are doing, but do not dismiss them too quickly. Instead, challenge yourself to work out how the idea could be adapted to add value in your situation.
Here are the library resources to help you get ready to engage with your stakeholders…
- Building a Compelling Vision.
- Create a Benefits Register.
- Tailoring Your Stakeholder Pitch
- Think Before You Engage Your Stakeholder
- Choosing Your Stakeholder Engagement Tactics.
- Planning Stakeholder Meetings.
- How to Engage with Your Advocates.
- How to Engage with Your Critics.
- How to Engage with Your Players.
- How to Engage with Your Enemies.
- How to Influence with Style.
- How to Manage the Politics.
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