Last updated on Jul 17, 2024

Senior stakeholders are questioning your project update data. How will you regain their trust?

When senior stakeholders express concerns about the data you present for your project updates, it can feel like a significant setback. However, it's crucial to see this as an opportunity to strengthen your relationship with them by demonstrating your commitment to transparency and accuracy. Your ability to regain their trust hinges on how you respond to their concerns and the steps you take to resolve any issues.

1 Acknowledge Concerns

When faced with skepticism from senior stakeholders about your project data, the first step is to acknowledge their concerns without defensiveness. By validating their right to accurate information, you show respect for their role and investment in the project. Listen carefully to their questions and feedback, and express your commitment to providing reliable data. This initial response sets the stage for a collaborative approach to resolving any discrepancies and reinforces your dedication to the project's success.

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Mohamud Mohammed

Senior program operations manager with over 14 years of experience in program management, building effective operation,
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Securing the trust and the confidence of the stakeholders on our work is key precondition for the program to drive to achieve the intended goals. To this end I would strive to put in place system, and action in place that will buy for the confidence of stakeholders across the project life ; among which below are the key areas of work ; •Setting up of transparent communication network . •Providing evidence to substantiate all of program progress .Agreeing with the bench marks of quality, results, impact of the program and reporting against those agreed standards.Regular provision of the program update with accuracy and consistency. •Listening of the regular feedback and working back on that feedback on action.

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2 Verify Accuracy

After acknowledging the concerns of your stakeholders, your next move is to verify the accuracy of your project data. Dive into the numbers and processes used to gather the information. If you discover inaccuracies, correct them promptly. If the data is accurate, prepare a clear explanation of how it was collected and analyzed. This step is not only about ensuring the integrity of your data but also about demonstrating your due diligence and commitment to maintaining high standards.

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3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is vital when addressing stakeholder doubts. Avoid jargon and overly technical language that might obscure your message. Instead, use plain language that conveys the complexities of your project in an understandable way. This approach will help demystify the data, making it more accessible to stakeholders with varying levels of expertise, and will aid in rebuilding their confidence in the information you present.

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4 Provide Context

Sometimes data can be misunderstood if it's not placed in the proper context. Ensure that you're not just presenting raw numbers but also explaining what they mean for the project. Provide a narrative that connects the data points to the project goals, timelines, and any external factors that may influence them. This broader perspective can help stakeholders see the bigger picture and understand the rationale behind your strategies.

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5 Implement Feedback

Incorporating feedback from stakeholders is a powerful way to regain their trust. Show that you're not only receptive to their input but also willing to act on it. This might involve adjusting your data collection methods or providing more frequent updates. By making changes based on their suggestions, you affirm their importance to the project and demonstrate that their concerns have a real impact on how you manage it.

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6 Build Relationships

Finally, use this challenge as a chance to strengthen your relationships with stakeholders. Consistent, open dialogue and transparency can turn a moment of doubt into a foundation for a stronger partnership. Engage them regularly, not just when presenting data, and work on building rapport. Trust is built over time through repeated interactions that reinforce your reliability and commitment to the project's success.

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7 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?

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Rajan Sharma

Commercial Business Leader | Growth Strategist | P&L management | GTM strategy | Digital innovator and transformation expert | Business Strategist Emerging markets & INDIA
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One thing that I found helpful is to take the road together with stakeholders to a common agreeable plane, this may be towards a common held vision for the future or 2 steps down to something which was agreeable to all. Depending on the situation a common understanding or vision gained is the right baby step to build the road towards trust.

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Senior stakeholders are questioning your project update data. How will you regain their trust?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Acknowledge Concerns

2 Verify Accuracy

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Provide Context

5 Implement Feedback

6 Build Relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

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Senior stakeholders are questioning your project update data. How will you regain their trust?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Concerns

2 Verify Accuracy

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Provide Context

5 Implement Feedback

6 Build Relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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