One of the inherent problems with the notion of stakeholder management is in the title.
Does anybody want to be managed these days?
It implies, to me at least, someone taking control.
Would any stakeholder want you to be in control?
Yet we seem to be stuck with the term, and therefore must work to avoid stakeholders feeling like they are being managed.
One of the best ways of doing this is to cultivate a genuine interest in their agenda (be it professional or personal). Not pretend interest, real interest.
And yes, that takes a precious investment of time. The bonus is they may even become a real friend to you.
More on Stakeholder Management
- Guilty of Annoying Your Stakeholders?
- Four Reasons Why You Struggle to Engage Stakeholders
- The Stakeholder Management Collection
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