There are times when key stakeholders are quiet during meetings and don’t give clear feedback, even on important project items. In my experience, this silence can delay decisions or create confusion later. I try to follow up directly or break down the information into simpler updates. Still, it’s a challenge. Have you faced similar situations?
How do you engage stakeholders who don’t speak up but still have influence?
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Amanda HarrisLeonardo DRSSpace Coast, FL, United States
Pavan Maddi this is a great question! I have experienced this before with stakeholders who didn't speak up. I would ask them very specific questions, adding context. For example: John, what direction would you suggest as this impacts you directly in terms of x, y, & z? Usually, that would be enough to get them engaged. If not, then I would have 1:1 follow up to let them know that their feedback is valuable and valued, and necessary for a successful project. I found that with tech folks (software developers / architects, etc), they can be very reserved. Sometimes, it takes them a minute to think through and process the question before answering. It may just mean that you need to give them more time to think things through before responding. If you could provide them a list of questions they should be prepared to answer prior to the meeting, it might help facilitate their engagement during the meeting.
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1 reply by Pavan Maddi
Apr 21, 2025 5:45 PM
Pavan Maddi
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Amanda Harris Great insight! I completely agree asking specific, contextual questions and giving people time to think really makes a difference. Quiet voices often have powerful input, and your 1:1 follow-ups show genuine care. Proactive prep before meetings is a simple but smart move!
Pavan Maddi this is a great question! I have experienced this before with stakeholders who didn't speak up. I would ask them very specific questions, adding context. For example: John, what direction would you suggest as this impacts you directly in terms of x, y, & z? Usually, that would be enough to get them engaged. If not, then I would have 1:1 follow up to let them know that their feedback is valuable and valued, and necessary for a successful project. I found that with tech folks (software developers / architects, etc), they can be very reserved. Sometimes, it takes them a minute to think through and process the question before answering. It may just mean that you need to give them more time to think things through before responding. If you could provide them a list of questions they should be prepared to answer prior to the meeting, it might help facilitate their engagement during the meeting.
Amanda Harris Great insight! I completely agree asking specific, contextual questions and giving people time to think really makes a difference. Quiet voices often have powerful input, and your 1:1 follow-ups show genuine care. Proactive prep before meetings is a simple but smart move! Saving Changes...
Depending on the stakeholders' personalities, we will have extroverts and introverts, but this doesn't mean that one has more ability or knowledge. A good way to engage introverts is to establish a detailed order for gathering criteria, so that each stakeholder can express their opinion at their turn, ensuring that everyone's opinion is considered. On the other hand, meetings without an orderly procedure become disorganized and hasty conversations.
Another way to ensure all criteria are collected is to create a form to write the requirements of all stakeholders, ensuring that everyone participates. Saving Changes...
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