Introduction:

Effective stakeholder management is critical to the success of any project. Stakeholders can significantly influence the project’s direction, resources, and outcomes, and managing their expectations and engagement is vital for project success. This 5-day training course will provide participants with the tools and techniques necessary to identify, analyze, communicate with, and manage project stakeholders effectively. Through theoretical knowledge, case studies, and practical exercises, participants will develop the skills needed to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, minimize conflicts, and ensure successful project delivery.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the key concepts of stakeholder management and its importance in project success.
2. Learn how to identify and analyze stakeholders effectively using different tools and techniques.
3. Develop skills in planning and executing stakeholder engagement strategies.
4. Understand how to communicate and manage expectations to ensure alignment with project goals.
5. Learn how to resolve conflicts and address issues that may arise with stakeholders.
6. Gain insights into managing stakeholder relationships throughout the project lifecycle.

Who Should Attend:

This course is ideal for professionals involved in managing projects and interacting with stakeholders, including:

• Project Managers and Project Coordinators
• Program Managers
• Team Leaders and Supervisors
• Stakeholder Relations Specialists
• Business Analysts
• Consultants and Advisors
• Anyone involved in projects with diverse stakeholder groups

Course Outline:

Day 1: Introduction to Project Stakeholder Management

• Session 1: The Importance of Stakeholder Management in Projects
  • Definition of Stakeholders in Project Management
  • The Role of Stakeholders in Shaping Project Success
  • Key Concepts: Influence, Power, and Interest
  • Project Success and Stakeholder Satisfaction
• Session 2: Stakeholder Identification
  • Techniques for Identifying Stakeholders: Brainstorming, Interviews, and Documentation
  • Categorizing Stakeholders: Internal vs. External, Direct vs. Indirect
  • The Role of the Project Manager in Stakeholder Identification
• Session 3: Stakeholder Mapping and Analysis
  • Power/Interest Grid and Salience Model
  • Mapping Stakeholders’ Influence and Needs
  • Tools for Analyzing Stakeholder Attitudes, Expectations, and Potential Impact
• Activity: Workshop – Identifying and Mapping Stakeholders for a Hypothetical Project

Day 2: Stakeholder Engagement Planning and Strategy

• Session 1: Developing Stakeholder Engagement Plans
  • The Importance of a Stakeholder Engagement Plan
  • Key Components of an Engagement Plan: Communication Methods, Frequency, and Channels
  • Aligning Engagement Strategies with Project Goals
• Session 2: Communication Strategies for Stakeholder Management
  • Communication Plans: Identifying Stakeholder Needs and Information Preferences
  • Tailoring Communication: High Power/Interest vs. Low Power/Interest Stakeholders
  • Effective Messaging: Ensuring Clarity, Transparency, and Timeliness
• Session 3: Stakeholder Engagement Techniques
  • Building Trust and Rapport with Stakeholders
  • Handling Difficult Conversations and Managing Expectations
  • Negotiation Skills and Managing Conflicting Interests
• Activity: Group Exercise – Developing a Stakeholder Engagement Plan for a Case Study Project

Day 3: Managing Stakeholder Expectations

• Session 1: Understanding Stakeholder Expectations
  • The Importance of Managing Expectations Throughout the Project
  • Identifying and Aligning Stakeholder Expectations with Project Deliverables
  • Methods for Measuring and Managing Expectations: Surveys, Feedback, and Reviews
• Session 2: Stakeholder Influence and Risk Management
  • Anticipating Stakeholder Risks: Opposition, Delays, and Scope Changes
  • Strategies for Mitigating Stakeholder Risks and Resistance
  • Risk Communication: Keeping Stakeholders Informed and Involved
• Session 3: Monitoring and Reporting Stakeholder Engagement
  • Tracking Stakeholder Involvement and Satisfaction
  • Using KPIs and Metrics to Assess Engagement Success
  • Adjusting Stakeholder Management Strategies as Needed
• Activity: Role-Playing Exercise – Managing Stakeholder Expectations in a Challenging Scenario

Day 4: Conflict Resolution and Managing Difficult Stakeholders

• Session 1: Conflict Resolution Techniques
  • Understanding the Sources of Conflict in Projects
  • Common Conflict Resolution Styles: Avoiding, Accommodating, Competing, Compromising, and Collaborating
  • Mediation and Negotiation Skills for Resolving Disputes
• Session 2: Managing Difficult Stakeholders
  • Strategies for Dealing with Stakeholders Who Resist Change
  • Managing Stakeholders with High Expectations or Demands
  • Dealing with Conflicts of Interest and Power Struggles
• Session 3: Building Long-Term Relationships with Stakeholders
  • Moving Beyond the Project: Maintaining Relationships for Future Collaboration
  • How to Demonstrate Value to Stakeholders and Ensure Continued Support
  • Building a Reputation as a Trusted Project Leader
• Activity: Group Discussion – Identifying Strategies for Managing a Difficult Stakeholder in a Real-World Scenario

Day 5: Stakeholder Management Throughout the Project Lifecycle

• Session 1: Stakeholder Management in Project Initiation
  • Identifying and Engaging Stakeholders at the Beginning of the Project
  • Setting the Foundation for Effective Stakeholder Communication and Engagement
  • Early Stakeholder Involvement in Project Planning and Design
• Session 2: Stakeholder Management During Execution and Monitoring
  • Keeping Stakeholders Engaged and Informed During Project Execution
  • Managing Changes and Addressing Concerns During Implementation
  • Reporting and Stakeholder Involvement in Progress Meetings
• Session 3: Closing the Project with Stakeholder Management in Mind
  • Final Stakeholder Engagement: Closing Reviews, Feedback, and Lessons Learned
  • Ensuring Long-Term Support and Maintaining Relationships Post-Project
  • Evaluating Stakeholder Satisfaction and Project Success
• Activity: Group Project – Planning Stakeholder Engagement for a Full Project Lifecycle (Initiation to Closeout)

Course Delivery:

• Interactive Lectures: In-depth presentations and discussions on stakeholder management theories, techniques, and tools.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of stakeholder management challenges and successful strategies.
• Group Activities: Collaborative exercises, role-playing, and discussions to apply learning to practical scenarios.
• Workshops: Hands-on opportunities for participants to create engagement plans, communication strategies, and conflict resolution approaches.
• Interactive Q&A: Opportunities to address specific questions and challenges faced by participants in their projects.