PMBOK: Project Stakeholder
Project management is a complex process that requires the coordination and collaboration of various stakeholders to achieve project goals and objectives. One of the most important aspects of project management is identifying and managing project stakeholders.
The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) defines stakeholders as individuals or organizations who are affected by or who can affect the project outcome. Effective stakeholder management is essential for project success, as stakeholders can have a significant impact on project planning, execution, and closure.
Identifying Project Stakeholders
The first step in effective stakeholder management is to identify all relevant stakeholders. Stakeholders can be internal (e.g. employees, departments, etc.) or external (e.g. customers, suppliers, regulators, etc.).
It is important to identify all stakeholders early in the project lifecycle, as this allows project managers to engage with stakeholders, understand their needs and expectations, and develop strategies to manage their interests.
An ordered list of common types of project stakeholders include:
- Project sponsor
- Project manager
- Team members
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Regulators
- Community members
Unordered tips for identifying project stakeholders:
- Talk to key personnel involved in the project
- Review project-related documents such as contracts and agreements
- Analyze the project’s impact on different groups
- Consider the opinions of experts in the field
“Stakeholders are the people who matter to a system.” - Donella Meadows
PMI provides a comprehensive guide to stakeholder management, including best practices for identifying and engaging with stakeholders.
Managing Project Stakeholder Expectations
Once stakeholders have been identified, it is important to understand their expectations and needs, and to manage these effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
Managing stakeholder expectations involves communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution. Effective communication is critical to ensuring that stakeholders understand the project’s goals, schedule, budget, and risks, and that their expectations are met.
Unordered tips for managing stakeholder expectations:
- Regularly update stakeholders on project progress
- Address concerns and issues in a timely manner
- Encourage stakeholders to provide feedback and suggestions
- Build trust with stakeholders through transparency and accountability
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” - Peter Drucker
Forbes provides practical tips for managing stakeholder expectations in technology projects.
Monitoring and Controlling Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement should be monitored and controlled throughout the project lifecycle to ensure that the project remains aligned with stakeholder needs and expectations. This involves regularly reviewing and updating the stakeholder management plan, and making adjustments as necessary.
A Gantt chart can be a useful tool for monitoring stakeholder engagement, as it provides a visual representation of the project schedule and allows project managers to track progress and identify potential issues. There are many online Gantt chart tools available, including GanttPRO, Microsoft Project, Wrike, ClickUp, Monday.com, Smartsheet, and others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective stakeholder management is essential for project success. By identifying all relevant stakeholders, understanding their expectations and needs, and monitoring and controlling stakeholder engagement, project managers can ensure that their projects remain aligned with stakeholder interests and deliver desired outcomes.
Lucas Pinto Cardoso
Lucas Pinto Cardoso is a project manager from the United States who has worked for several organizations throughout his career. He was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, and attended Harvard University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in business administration. After graduation, Lucas started his career as a management consultant at a top consulting firm in Boston, where he worked with clients in various industries to optimize their business processes and improve their bottom line. He quickly proved himself to be a valuable member of the team and was soon promoted to project manager. Lucas's expertise in project management methodologies such as Six Sigma and Lean helped him to successfully manage complex projects for his clients. He also developed a reputation for his ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders and manage cross-functional teams. From there, Lucas went on to work for several other consulting firms, including Deloitte and McKinsey & Company. He also worked as a project manager for a healthcare startup, where he managed the development and launch of a new healthcare app that aimed to improve patient outcomes. Lucas is known for his analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to see the big picture. He is a strategic thinker who is able to identify opportunities for his clients to improve their operations and drive growth. His ability to manage projects from start to finish has made him a highly sought-after project manager in the consulting industry.