Who Are Your Stakeholders?

Colleagues,
 
Pause and think about two issues you are facing, one minor and one major.
 
The urgent algorithm often causes us to skip the most critical piece of the entire problem-solving process: consulting with all the stakeholders. Why?
 
We may believe:

1. As leaders we should have the answers.
2. We don’t have time.
3. We don’t want to bother them.
4. We don’t think they will help.

 
These beliefs and behaviors undermine our leadership. A great example of the importance of stakeholders is in this hilarious 46 second video. 
 
The first group of stakeholders are the obvious ones:

1. Their work is impacted by the issue.
2. They are part of the issue.
3. They will likely play a role in implementing a solution.

 
Make a list of the stakeholders for each of your issues, minor and major.
 
The second group of stakeholders are less obvious:

1. They have specialized knowledge related to the issue.
2. They are impacted in a less obvious way.
3. They aren’t in our immediate circle

 
Make a list of the stakeholders for each of your issues, minor and major.
 
In taking the next steps, these people should be included. If it seems too cumbersome to include all of them, here are some strategies:

• Instead of a big meeting, have them participate asynchronously.
• Use them to vet ideas and possible actions.
• Meet individually with people who should not be part of a larger group.

 
Reflect on this: 

• In your last failed initiative, who was at the table during the development of the “solution”? 
• Who was missing? 
• What difference could it have made? 

 
Do good and be well,
 
Frederick