Stakeholder engagement is more than a process - it’s a dynamic relationship that requires care, intention, and continuous effort. Without meaningful engagement from the start, projects can face unnecessary blockers like misalignment and delayed decision-making. These challenges were a focus in my recent conversation with Suzanne in The Stand Up, where we explored how late engagement and unclear scope can derail progress.
These themes align perfectly with an interesting episode from the Project Chatter Podcast, where Elizabeth Harrin shares her expertise on humanising project management. She delves into how to treat people well, how to engage with rather than manage senior stakeholders effectively, and how to measure stakeholder engagement to create lasting project success.
How do you measure stakeholder engagement?
One of the standout moments in the podcast is Elizabeth’s approach to measuring stakeholder engagement - an often-overlooked but critical aspect of project management. She offers a practical, people-first framework:
- Frequent and Honest Check-Ins
Engagement isn’t a one-and-done task. Advocate for regular, preferably monthly, check-ins instead of waiting until the end retrospective. This allows for continuous dialogue and early identification of potential issues. - Focus on Stakeholder Objectives
Start by understanding what success looks like from the stakeholder’s perspective. What are their objectives? Whether it’s clear communication, timely updates, or specific outcomes, identifying these goals upfront sets the foundation for meaningful engagement. - Rank and Reflect
During check-ins, stakeholders and the project team rank key areas like communication on a scale from 1 to 10. This opens up honest, two-way discussions about what’s working, what isn’t, and how to improve. - Continuous Listening
Engagement isn’t static; it’s a process of continuous listening and adaptation. By creating opportunities for open feedback, you can measure satisfaction and provide tangible evidence of progress against stakeholder objectives.
Why this matters
Elizabeth’s approach not only humanises the stakeholder relationship but also provides a structured way to measure engagement. Regular check-ins and honest conversations foster trust, while ranking and feedback mechanisms give teams actionable insights to improve. It’s a practical way to ensure that stakeholders feel valued, heard, and aligned with the project’s goals.
Listen now
Click here to listen to this episode, it offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to deepen their stakeholder relationships and lead more impactful projects. It ties closely to themes from The Stand Up, giving you a rounded perspective on managing stakeholder dynamics with clarity and purpose.
As we close out the year, take 30 minutes to reflect on how you can better engage with your stakeholders in 2025. It’s an investment that will pay off in every project you tackle.
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