What kind of tools do you use for stakeholder analysis?
Do you think that using a kind of traditional tools such as Excel is still popular among project managers?
It would be very much appreciated if I could know your opinion and more modern tools for stakeholder analysis if any. Saving Changes...
Spreadsheets are popular as tabular formats are easy to document common attributes of stakeholders and interfaces between stakeholders. While flexible, you quickly learn the drawbacks of trying to manage complex tables.
Other graphics oriented programs such as Visio can be used to diagram relationships. The information from both can be depicted in an object oriented format, however that's the sort of thing projects are chartered to custom code.
When evaluating/selecting tools, I start by defining the required functionality, and then evaluate tools for a best fit or if a custom application is merited. Saving Changes...
I recently took part in a similar discussion on the Association of Change Management Professionals' platform (https://www.acmpglobal.org/) In addition to the above valuable comments (e.g., stakeholder engagement plan), there were two other pieces of advice:
a) Using the Empathy Map of Do, Feel, Think, Say
(in parallel, this is a good way how to engage stakeholders using collaborative tools such as Mural and Miro)
Learn more at: https://www.uxbooth.com/articles/empathy-m...e-a-users-head/
b) Working with the DARE matrix: deciders, advisors, recommenders, and execution stakeholders - as an alternative framework to the RACI matrix due to the following pitfalls, according to McKinsey & Co. lacks 1) No clear decider 2) Poor orchestration of stakeholders 3) Poor delegation practices 4) Ineffective meeting management.
https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/peop...-make-decisions
c) Stakeholder Impact Assessment (the Prosci Methodology: 10 Aspects of Change Impact: Processes; Systems; Tools; Job Roles; Critical Behaviours; Mindset/Attitudes/Beliefs; Reporting Structure; Performance Reviews; Compensation; Location).
I appreciate your comment. DARE is very interesting as, yes, we alway need to find the person who makes the final decision. Saving Changes...
*Excel is a useful tool for Stakeholder Management, that allows listing detailed information about stakeholders.
Check these templates available on projectmanagement.com as an example:
https://www.projectmanagement.com/delivera...ssification-log
*Using software platforms for stakeholder management is also very useful. For example, you can use web platforms for creating surveys (https://youengage.me/online-survey-tool/ is a web tool you can use). Personalized surveys requested from different types of stakeholders allow us to engage them in a deep manner, reaching higher levels of collaboration in the project.
*If you can manage customers (external stakeholder type), the best option is to adopt a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software platform. (https://www.insightly.com/ is an example).
I appreciate your comment. I would appreciate it if you could give me instruction on tools for managing internal stakeholders if you know. Saving Changes...
Spreadsheets might be popular for stakeholder analysis, but I think another reason is that they are available. What company wants to spend money on a stakeholder analysis tool that only project & change managers would use?
I've attended a couple of change management trainings, and both companies provided Excel tools. I haven't seen (or looked for) any tools that weren't spreadsheet-based.
I appreciate your comment. If there is a free software for managing stakeholders, will you use it?
...
1 reply by Aaron Porter
Jun 15, 2023 10:13 AM
Aaron Porter
...
Not in my current capacity. If I was on a large, complex project with a lot of stakeholders and also had some responsibility for OCM, I might look for a tool to help and would likely use a free one. However, both of the OCM classes I've taken have provided Excel workbooks with multiple tabs that include stakeholder analysis and tracking. Both of those would have to prove insufficient before I looked for something new.
I appreciate your comment. If there is a free software for managing stakeholders, will you use it?
Not in my current capacity. If I was on a large, complex project with a lot of stakeholders and also had some responsibility for OCM, I might look for a tool to help and would likely use a free one. However, both of the OCM classes I've taken have provided Excel workbooks with multiple tabs that include stakeholder analysis and tracking. Both of those would have to prove insufficient before I looked for something new.
So far, I have only worked with Proxima software (the Prosci Methodology). The Prosci ADKAR Dashboard provides streamlined and easy-to-use surveys a user can leverage to track change adoption. On the flip side, it's an expensive experience. Unfortunately, I can't compare it to any other piece of software.
Not in my current capacity. If I was on a large, complex project with a lot of stakeholders and also had some responsibility for OCM, I might look for a tool to help and would likely use a free one. However, both of the OCM classes I've taken have provided Excel workbooks with multiple tabs that include stakeholder analysis and tracking. Both of those would have to prove insufficient before I looked for something new.
So far, I have only worked with Proxima software (the Prosci Methodology). The Prosci ADKAR Dashboard provides streamlined and easy-to-use surveys a user can leverage to track change adoption. On the flip side, it's an expensive experience. Unfortunately, I can't compare it to any other piece of software. Saving Changes...
Community Champion
