What is a Stakeholder Map?

Summary

This video explains the concept of stakeholder mapping, which helps in managing projects that involve multiple groups or external collaborators. A stakeholder map categorizes individuals based on their level of influence and interest in the project. High influence and high interest stakeholders should be managed closely, while low influence and low interest stakeholders can be monitored with occasional updates. The video emphasizes the importance of regularly updating the stakeholder map and facilitating workshops to identify and organize key stakeholders. A link to a stakeholder map template is also provided for practical use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stakeholder maps are useful when developing new initiatives, especially for projects that span multiple groups or involve external collaboration.
• 😀 Stakeholder mapping helps in appropriately managing and informing stakeholders throughout a project.
• 😀 A stakeholder map has two dimensions: level of influence and level of interest.
• 😀 The level of influence is based on how much impact a stakeholder has on the project, such as through funding, legal, or process support.
• 😀 The level of interest refers to how engaged a stakeholder is in the project's outcome.
• 😀 Stakeholders in the high influence and high interest category need to be managed closely, as they have the ability to impact the project significantly.
• 😀 Low influence, low interest stakeholders should be monitored but don’t require too much attention or regular updates.
• 😀 High influence, low interest stakeholders should be kept satisfied, as they have significant influence but may not be interested enough to need regular updates.
• 😀 Low influence, high interest stakeholders care about the outcome of the project but lack control over its success. They should be kept informed with updates.
• 😀 Stakeholder maps should be updated regularly, as stakeholders may change their level of influence or interest during the course of a project.
• 😀 A stakeholder map should be created through a facilitated workshop, involving experts and key people who are dependent on the project.

Q & A

What is stakeholder mapping and why is it important?

Stakeholder mapping is a technique used to identify and organize key stakeholders in a project. It's important because it helps you understand how to manage and inform stakeholders, especially when projects involve multiple groups or external collaborators.

How should you select stakeholders for a stakeholder map?

When selecting stakeholders for a stakeholder map, you should choose people who are either experts in their area or have some dependency on the project. These stakeholders will help ensure the project's success and offer valuable perspectives.

What are the two main dimensions in a stakeholder map?

The two main dimensions in a stakeholder map are the level of interest and the level of influence. Interest refers to how engaged a stakeholder is with the project outcome, while influence refers to how much power they have over the project's success.

How do you categorize stakeholders based on the matrix?

Stakeholders are categorized into four quadrants: High Influence, High Interest (manage closely), Low Influence, Low Interest (send updates and monitor), High Influence, Low Interest (keep satisfied), and Low Influence, High Interest (keep informed).

What should you do with stakeholders who have high influence and high interest?

Stakeholders with high influence and high interest should be managed closely. Since they have the power to significantly impact the project, you should provide them with regular updates and check if they need anything from you.

What is the role of stakeholders in the low interest, low influence quadrant?

Stakeholders in the low interest, low influence quadrant require minimal attention. You should send them updates and monitor any changes in their influence or interest, but you don’t need to worry too much about them.

How should you handle stakeholders who have high influence but low interest?

Stakeholders with high influence but low interest should be kept satisfied. They may not care much about the project, but their influence is important. It's essential to understand their preferences early on and manage them delicately.

What is the significance of the low influence, high interest quadrant?

Stakeholders in the low influence, high interest quadrant care about the project's outcome but do not have control over its success. It's important to keep them informed with regular updates to maintain their engagement.

Why is it important to update the stakeholder map regularly?

It’s important to update the stakeholder map regularly because stakeholders can change throughout the project. Their level of influence or interest may shift, and the map helps ensure you're always managing them appropriately.

Where can one find a stakeholder map template?

A stakeholder map template is provided in the description of the video. It can be used as a guide when creating and organizing your own stakeholder map.