What are the best ways to build consensus among GIS stakeholders?

3 Manage expectations

The third step to building consensus is to manage the expectations of the stakeholders. This means setting realistic and achievable goals, timelines, and budgets for the project, and communicating them clearly and consistently. You should also anticipate and address any potential risks, issues, or changes that may affect the project, and inform the stakeholders as soon as possible. By managing expectations, you can avoid disappointment, frustration, and conflict among the stakeholders.

4 Involve stakeholders in decision-making

The fourth step to building consensus is to involve the stakeholders in the decision-making process of the project. This means soliciting their input, feedback, and suggestions on the design, implementation, and evaluation of the project. You should also acknowledge and respect their opinions, perspectives, and preferences, and try to incorporate them into the project as much as possible. By involving stakeholders in decision-making, you can increase their ownership, commitment, and satisfaction with the project.

5 Resolve conflicts constructively

The fifth step to building consensus is to resolve any conflicts that may arise among the stakeholders constructively. This means identifying the sources, causes, and impacts of the conflicts, and addressing them in a timely and respectful manner. You should also use appropriate methods and techniques to facilitate dialogue, negotiation, and compromise among the stakeholders, such as brainstorming, voting, ranking, or mediation. By resolving conflicts constructively, you can maintain positive relationships, cooperation, and harmony among the stakeholders.

6 Celebrate achievements

The sixth and final step to building consensus is to celebrate the achievements of the project and the stakeholders. This means recognizing and appreciating the contributions, efforts, and outcomes of each stakeholder, and sharing the success stories, lessons learned, and best practices of the project. You should also provide feedback, recommendations, and follow-up actions for the future improvement and sustainability of the project. By celebrating achievements, you can foster a sense of pride, gratitude, and recognition among the stakeholders.

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?