Pandering to the whims of your stakeholders
From the An Influential Project Manager Blog
by Colin Gautrey
Today, more than ever, a project manager needs to be an influencer.
The purpose of this blog is to stimulate your journey towards greater influence. With influence, you can overcome the roadblocks thrown in your way, overcome opposition, align stakeholders and, enjoy your role even more.
However, since I know you are busy, the posts here will be short (about a minute), thought provoking and also drive you towards action.
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If you pander to the whims of your enemies, it may make them smile.
It is not always the case, but sometimes people who are placed in the enemies' box just love the attention. They like to see people working hard to make friends with them, to influence them, and to generally find a way to negotiate around their opposition. To some, this represents a great payoff for becoming powerful.
The reason they get attention is because they are powerful and can have a huge impact on your project. However, that doesn't mean you need to pander to them. Instead:
- Carefully understand their position, strengths and options.
- Engage with advocates to seek guidance on how to neutralise the enemy.
- Build support elsewhere to counterbalance the enemy's power.
- Once you're ready, disengage with them.
Having said that, in many cases, these people are not really enemies, it just feels that way. What needs to happen is that you need to invest time in building the relationship and getting to know their agenda. It also helps if they are given an opportunity to get to know you and your agenda too.
Do you suffer because you give stakeholders undue attention?
Posted on: January 03, 2017 11:59 PM |
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Comments (3)
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Not really, but when there is gap in communication.
Thanks Colin.
Maciej Mordaka
Project Portfolio Manager| Atos GDC Poland
Bydgoszcz, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Poland
I would say that transparency is key while working with stakeholders, regardless of their position. If you do not communicate expectations and needs both ways surely in short time you will either have open conflict or "at least" escalation
Colin Gautrey
Author, Executive Coach and Trainer| The Gautrey Group
United Kingdom
I agree Maciej, and would add that it is important not just to communicate, but to make sure the communication is received and understood!
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