How can you customize a stakeholder map for different projects and contexts?

1 Step 1: Define the purpose and scope of your map

Before you start mapping your stakeholders, you need to have a clear idea of why and how you are doing it. What is the main objective of your map? Is it to prioritize your communication, manage risks, or align expectations? How detailed and comprehensive do you want your map to be? Is it for a short-term or a long-term project? Who will use and update your map? These questions will help you determine the format, content, and criteria of your map.

2 Step 2: Identify and categorize your stakeholders

The next step is to identify who your stakeholders are and how they relate to your project. You can use various sources of information, such as project documents, organizational charts, surveys, or interviews, to find out who has an interest, influence, or impact on your project. Then, you can categorize your stakeholders according to different dimensions, such as their power, interest, attitude, or expectations. You can use a matrix, a chart, or a diagram to visualize these categories and show the relationships between them.

3 Step 3: Analyze and prioritize your stakeholders

Once you have categorized your stakeholders, you need to analyze and prioritize them according to their level of importance and urgency for your project. This will help you decide how to allocate your resources, time, and attention to each stakeholder group or individual. You can use various methods and tools to prioritize your stakeholders, such as the RACI matrix, the MoSCoW technique, or the stakeholder salience model. You can also assign ratings, scores, or colors to your stakeholders to indicate their priority level.

4 Step 4: Plan and execute your engagement strategy

The final step is to plan and execute your engagement strategy based on your stakeholder map. This involves defining your goals, messages, channels, and frequency of communication for each stakeholder group or individual. You also need to monitor and evaluate your engagement activities and outcomes, and adjust your strategy accordingly. You can use tools such as the stakeholder engagement plan template, the stakeholder communication plan template, or the stakeholder feedback form to document and track your engagement strategy.

5 Tips and tools for customizing your stakeholder map

To customize your stakeholder map effectively, consider using a flexible and adaptable tool that allows you to create, edit, and share your map easily. Online tools such as Miro, MindMeister, or Lucidchart are great options. Additionally, review and update the map regularly to reflect any changes in your project or stakeholder environment. You can use tools such as Asana, Trello, or Smartsheet to integrate your map with your project management system and track progress and issues. Involve stakeholders in the mapping process to increase their engagement and buy-in. Tools such as SurveyMonkey, Google Forms, or Slido can be used to collect and analyze stakeholder feedback and input.

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?