How do you revise stakeholder analysis during a project?

1 Why revise stakeholder analysis?

Revising stakeholder analysis is important for several reasons. First, it helps you monitor and evaluate the impact of your project on your stakeholders, and vice versa. You can track how your stakeholders' attitudes, behaviors, and influence change over the course of the project, and how they affect your project's performance, quality, and outcomes. Second, it helps you adapt and improve your stakeholder engagement strategy, by identifying new or emerging stakeholders, updating your communication plan, resolving issues, and managing expectations. Third, it helps you foster positive and collaborative relationships with your stakeholders, by showing them that you care about their opinions, feedback, and satisfaction, and that you are willing to adjust your project to meet their needs.

2 When to revise stakeholder analysis?

When revising your stakeholder analysis, there is no fixed rule as to how often you should do so; it depends on the size, complexity, and duration of your project, as well as the level of uncertainty and volatility in your project environment. Common triggers or events that may prompt you to revise your stakeholder analysis include the start or end of a project phase or milestone, the approval or change of a project scope, budget, or schedule, the occurrence or resolution of a major risk or issue, the receipt or delivery of a significant deliverable or report, the feedback or request from a key stakeholder or group, the entry or exit of a stakeholder or group, and the change in the organizational structure or culture of a stakeholder or group. Additionally, you should revise your stakeholder analysis whenever you notice a significant shift in your stakeholders' interests, expectations, power, or influence, and whenever you feel that your stakeholder engagement is not effective or satisfactory.

3 How to revise stakeholder analysis?

Revising stakeholder analysis is similar to the initial process, but with modifications and adaptations. Firstly, review existing documents such as stakeholder registers and maps, to check if they are still accurate. Secondly, use various sources to gather new or updated information about stakeholders, focusing on changes since the last analysis. Thirdly, analyze the new data and compare it with existing documents. Identify any gaps, discrepancies or trends in the analysis and the implications for the project. Fourthly, update documents based on the analysis and use clear criteria and terminology to classify stakeholders. Finally, communicate the revised stakeholder analysis with relevant stakeholders and explain the rationale and benefits of revising it. Ensure everyone is aligned with the results and conclusions.

4 What tools to use for revising stakeholder analysis?

Revising stakeholder analysis requires the use of various tools and techniques, depending on the project context, objectives, and preferences. For example, a stakeholder register is a document that lists and describes stakeholders, their roles, responsibilities, interests, expectations, influence, and contact information. It's important to keep track of stakeholders and their attributes, and update the register regularly. Additionally, a stakeholder map is a visual representation of stakeholders and their relationships that can be used to identify and analyze interactions. A stakeholder matrix can also be used to classify stakeholders into different categories or groups based on criteria like power-interest or influence-impact. Furthermore, a power-interest grid plots stakeholders on a two-dimensional matrix based on their level of power and interest. Lastly, an influence-impact chart plots stakeholders on a two-dimensional matrix based on their level of influence and impact. All these tools can help prioritize and tailor stakeholder engagement strategies.

5 What are the benefits of revising stakeholder analysis?

Revising stakeholder analysis can bring many benefits to your project. It can improve performance, quality, and outcomes by aligning the project with stakeholder needs, expectations, and interests. Additionally, it can enhance engagement, communication, and collaboration by building trust and rapport with stakeholders. It can also reduce risks and uncertainties by anticipating and mitigating potential resistance or dissatisfaction. Finally, it can increase project value and sustainability by creating and delivering value for stakeholders and ensuring project benefits are realized and maintained.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?