Stakeholder Analysis: Winning Support for Your Projects

Summary

Stakeholder analysis helps project leaders identify influential people before launching an initiative and build the support needed for successful implementation.

Stakeholder analysis playbook

1. Brainstorm stakeholders: List anyone with an interest in or potential influence over the project, such as managers, executives, colleagues, clients, shareholders, trade associations, and community members.
2. Map stakeholders on a Power–Interest Grid: Assess each person’s power and level of interest, then place them in the appropriate quadrant. Tailor engagement to their position:
   • High power, high interest: Work closely with them during implementation.
   • Low power, high interest: Keep them informed about progress.
3. Assess motivations and attitudes: Identify stakeholders’ financial or emotional interests and who may influence their opinions. Distinguish likely supporters from critics; color-coding the grid can help make this clear. Develop a plan to address opposition and win support.

Example

In the video’s example, Diego, the project owner’s boss, and senior executive John have high power and high interest, so they should be managed closely. Colleagues Sarah and Adi have high interest but little power, so they should be kept informed.

Diego, Sarah, and Adi support the project, while John opposes it, making John a priority for efforts to build support.

Metrics and targets

No quantitative KPIs, targets, or timelines are provided.

Source: Mindtools Kineo. No individual presenter is identified.