In Project Management, how to deal with this too strong but reluctant stakeholder?
Cheikh FAYE Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Expert, CEO and owner| Eurêka TechnologiesDakar, Senegal
In Project Management, how to deal in order to successfully achieve a project when the main road block to the normal and regular execution of the processes defined upfront is the state policeman itself. Is there any strategy to avoid difficulties in such a case
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Good Question. Active engagement with stakeholder need communication strategy, where stakeholder understands your role as PM. For reluctant stakeholder, I'd collect information around 'reluctance' of the stakeholder. It's better to know the facts/cause rather than just 'assume' a probable cause.
Finally, if the cause of their reluctance is valid, then address that valid concern in a professional manner. If the reluctance is primarily due to 'dense' nature of the person, then engage that stakeholders using careful diplomatic engagements. Find a strong resource, whose goal aligns with project goal and use that resource to neutralize the adverse factors.
Our primary goal is the success of project. So, engage all professional tools to achieve this primary goal. Saving Changes...
Hi Cheikh, Great question, challenging situation. I agree with Ashok's words of wisdom. In addition, I'd recommend relationship building. Invite him to lunch, 1-on-1 (& pay), &, ask him what he thinks, and listen listen, listen. Give him a chance to voice all his concerns, without answering at that moment. Eventually a light bulb will go on, and you will understand why, and how to fix. Before the lunch ends, invite him to the next lunch. After the lunch, write an informal communication to yourself only, listing all his concerns. after that, create an excel document, listing your suggestions to solve each of his concerns, with Pros & Cons of each. View this is a valuable learning growing experience. Saving Changes...
Great suggestions, quite educating for me. Saving Changes...
Cheikh FAYE Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Expert, CEO and owner| Eurêka TechnologiesDakar, Senegal
Hi Ashok, Joanna, Bamidele, wonderful and wise contributions for all you guys. We certainly take into account your advises all along the execution of projects present and future. Thank you very much. Saving Changes...
John A. WilliamsOwner| JAW Consultancy | The PragmaticionerNootdorp, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands
Ashok and Joanna gave you some good advice. In my days I took the time to find out the real why behind the opposition. In my experience, they always want to know what's in it for them. Another approach I take is to make my strongest opponents my advisors, make then co-responsible. Saving Changes...
Cheikh FAYE Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Expert, CEO and owner| Eurêka TechnologiesDakar, Senegal
Excellent point of view, to transform my strongest opponents into my best advisors. What a genius idea. Thank you so much JOHN. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
First thing to do is to understand that people react in a way for a reason. Time ago I wrote an article that was published by the PMI and others. Hope it helps:
Cheikh FAYE Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Expert, CEO and owner| Eurêka TechnologiesDakar, Senegal
Great contribution Sergio, thank you so much! Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
I have gone through this many times. It's a very challenging situation, because you can't push the stakeholders since they have more important things to do or other priorities.
Try to understand their needs, talk to them (sometimes the coffee break room can give you more information) and influence their behavior. Saving Changes...
Cheikh FAYE Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Expert, CEO and owner| Eurêka TechnologiesDakar, Senegal
Great point Anish,trying to understand their needs in order to influence their behavior, a very challenging situation indeed. Thank you so much for sharing. Saving Changes...
