Learn key tactics for gaining senior stakeholder support when facing pushback on new strategies in your organization.

Evidence based data is always important to gain trust and confidence of the stakeholders. Specifically when they are skeptic about new strategies, showing analysis with future projections and communicating the underlying assumptions which are relevant could help reduce biases and gain confidence of the stakeholders.

Last updated on Jul 10, 2024

You're facing pushback from senior stakeholders on new strategies. How can you gain their support?

When introducing new strategies, encountering resistance from senior stakeholders is not uncommon. These stakeholders often have a vested interest in the status quo, and convincing them to support new initiatives can be a challenging task. Your ability to manage this pushback effectively is crucial to the success of your strategies. By understanding their concerns, communicating effectively, and demonstrating the value of your proposals, you can turn skepticism into support and ensure that your projects move forward with the backing they need.

Key takeaways from this article

Present convincing data:

When stakeholders are hesitant, bring out the hard numbers. Show them robust data analyses and future projections that align with their concerns. This factual approach can turn doubt into confidence.
Foster informal ties:

Don’t underestimate the power of a brief, casual chat. Just 15 minutes spent building rapport with a senior stakeholder can lay the groundwork for mutual respect and openness to new ideas.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Understand Concerns

To gain the support of senior stakeholders, first seek to understand their reservations about your new strategy. Listen attentively to their feedback, ask probing questions to clarify their concerns, and empathize with their position. Recognizing the risks they perceive, as well as the impact on their own goals and objectives, can provide valuable insights into how to adapt your approach. When stakeholders feel heard and understood, they are more likely to be open to further discussion and collaboration.

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Surya Shekhar Auddy

Research Analyst at CEEW| PGDFM - IIFM| Ex - Shapoorji Pallonji E&C
Report contribution
Stakeholder management is a critical skill where you need to rely on your communication and negotiation skills. Senior stakeholders come with a lot of experience and understanding. But at the same time they are often apprehensive to change. In such a situation it is important to have conversations, understand their concerns and ask them if they had a similar experience that led to failure. Concerns on resource efficiency and sharing like time, finance, quality or recognition could be deterrents . Once their opinions are heard, then present your views adjusting your idea to be presented that can be mutually beneficial.

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Akita Somani

Partnerships | Scaling businesses | Inclusive Growth | Inspiring FinTech Female 2023 | ex-Mastercard, Visa, Citi
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It's really important to listen, clarify, understand and replay their concerns. This helps you define your strategy and communication to tackle those specific concerns.

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2 Build Rapport

Building a strong rapport with senior stakeholders is key to overcoming resistance. Establish trust by demonstrating your commitment to the organization's success and showing respect for their expertise and experience. Regular, informal conversations can help to foster a positive relationship. When stakeholders trust you, they are more inclined to consider your strategies with an open mind and may even become advocates for your ideas.

Add your perspective

Akita Somani

Partnerships | Scaling businesses | Inclusive Growth | Inspiring FinTech Female 2023 | ex-Mastercard, Visa, Citi
Report contribution
Taking the time to build relationships beyond task-led interactions will always serve you well in the long run. Whilst senior stakeholders cannot commit to an hour for an informal conversation, 15 minutes can go a long way to build a mutually beneficial relationship.

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Surya Shekhar Auddy

Research Analyst at CEEW| PGDFM - IIFM| Ex - Shapoorji Pallonji E&C
Report contribution
Senior stakeholders are loaded with lot of work and have engagements on other fronts. In such cases it is easily possible that your engagement might go unnoticed. One thing that works is keeping the senior stakeholders informed in every decision making process and having them in some role even if it is as small as reviewing a piece of document. This shows that his time and involvement is valued throughout the process and at the same time your commitment towards making things done.

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3 Present Data

When you're facing pushback, it's essential to present data and evidence that support your new strategies. Concrete facts and figures can be persuasive tools in demonstrating the potential benefits and feasibility of your proposals. Tailor your presentation of data to address specific concerns raised by stakeholders, highlighting how your strategy aligns with the organization's broader objectives and how it could lead to improved outcomes.

Add your perspective

Surya Shekhar Auddy

Research Analyst at CEEW| PGDFM - IIFM| Ex - Shapoorji Pallonji E&C
Report contribution
Evidence based data is always important to gain trust and confidence of the stakeholders. Specifically when they are skeptic about new strategies, showing analysis with future projections and communicating the underlying assumptions which are relevant could help reduce biases and gain confidence of the stakeholders.

Like

4 Offer Solutions

Anticipate potential objections by being prepared with solutions to the issues senior stakeholders might raise. Presenting well-thought-out contingency plans and alternative options demonstrates your proactive approach and commitment to mitigating risks. This readiness to tackle challenges head-on can reassure stakeholders that you have considered various scenarios and are equipped to handle any complications that may arise.

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5 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is vital when engaging with senior stakeholders. Use language that is straightforward and avoid jargon that may confuse or alienate them. Be concise in your explanations and focus on how the new strategies will benefit the organization as a whole. Effective communication ensures that stakeholders fully understand your proposals, making them more likely to give their support.

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6 Show Flexibility

Lastly, show flexibility in your approach to new strategies. Be willing to adapt your plans based on the feedback from senior stakeholders. This demonstrates that you value their input and are committed to finding a mutually beneficial solution. Flexibility can often be the key to breaking down resistance and building a consensus that allows for successful implementation of new strategies.

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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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You're facing pushback from senior stakeholders on new strategies. How can you gain their support?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Concerns

2 Build Rapport

3 Present Data

4 Offer Solutions

5 Communicate Clearly

6 Show Flexibility

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

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You're facing pushback from senior stakeholders on new strategies. How can you gain their support?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Concerns

2 Build Rapport

3 Present Data

4 Offer Solutions

5 Communicate Clearly

6 Show Flexibility

7 Here’s what else to consider

Senior Stakeholder Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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