What do you do if stakeholders are resistant to your project goals?

When embarking on an environmental engineering project, encountering resistance from stakeholders is not uncommon. Your project goals might be clear and well-intentioned, but stakeholders may have various concerns ranging from financial implications to environmental impact. Understanding and addressing these concerns is crucial for the success of your project. It's essential to engage stakeholders early, communicate effectively, and demonstrate how your project aligns with their interests or mitigates their concerns.

1 Understand Concerns

Firstly, it's important to actively listen to stakeholders and understand their specific concerns. These could be environmental, economic, or social in nature. By acknowledging their issues and showing empathy, you can build trust and open the lines of communication. Use this as an opportunity to gather valuable insights that may improve your project's design and implementation. Remember, stakeholders often have a wealth of local knowledge that can be invaluable.

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Jaime Saldarriaga, Ph.D.

Owner at Hydrology and Water Resource Science/Energy and Natural Resources/Climate/Utilities Regulation/Research/Mentoring/Global Issues/PEACE.
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Yes. Understand Concerns. This is Essential. Do they have different views?. Do all of them agree on Concerns?. Do they have differences?. It is necessary to be Open Mind and Listen.

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Alexander Coffman

Engineer & Speaker | Mentoring young professionals to increase productivity and develop professionally | Exploring emerging technology, economic, and policy solutions to the polycrisis
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When facing resistance from stakeholders to project goals, the first step is to thoroughly understand their concerns. This involves active listening and open communication. In my experience as a federal engineer working with radar installations, I encountered resistance regarding the adoption of new technologies. By initiating discussions to delve into specific concerns—such as cost, implementation challenges, or operational disruptions—I was able to address these issues directly. Understanding the root of their resistance enabled us to adjust our approach and build a consensus, facilitating smoother project execution.

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2 Build Rapport

Building rapport with stakeholders involves establishing a relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. This doesn't happen overnight and requires consistent engagement. Share your passion for the project and its environmental benefits, but also be willing to discuss potential downsides openly. This transparency can go a long way in building long-term relationships that support not only the current project but future ones as well.

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Ivan Odongo

Natural Resource Economist, GIS Analyst, ESG, Environmental Law & Policy
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Always remember, resistance is often rooted in fear or misunderstanding. Transparent Communication: Clearly articulate the project's objectives, benefits, and potential impact. Address any misconceptions or misinformation directly and honestly.

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3 Educate Thoroughly

Educating stakeholders thoroughly about the environmental, social, and economic benefits of your project is key. Use clear, non-technical language to explain how the project will work and its anticipated outcomes. Visual aids such as maps, diagrams, and charts can be particularly effective in conveying complex engineering concepts. Ensuring that stakeholders understand the project fully can alleviate fears and misconceptions.

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4 Offer Alternatives

When resistance persists, offering alternatives that align more closely with stakeholder values can be a game-changer. This might involve modifying certain aspects of your project to reduce its impact or enhance its benefits. Collaborative problem-solving sessions can be a constructive way to explore these alternatives together. It's a balancing act between meeting your project goals and addressing stakeholder concerns.

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5 Compromise Wisely

Compromising wisely is about finding the middle ground where your project goals and stakeholder interests intersect. It's not about giving up on your objectives but adapting them in a way that is acceptable to all parties involved. This might mean adjusting timelines, scaling back certain elements, or enhancing others. A compromise should be seen as a positive step towards achieving a more sustainable and community-backed project.

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6 Reflect and Adapt

Finally, reflect on the feedback and adapt your approach accordingly. If stakeholders present valid points that challenge your project's feasibility or impact, be prepared to go back to the drawing board. Adapting your project plan to incorporate stakeholder feedback can not only improve the project outcome but also strengthen stakeholder relationships for future endeavors. It's a dynamic process that requires flexibility and a willingness to evolve.

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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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Tom Brantley, MSCE, PE, PLS, CGC, CUC - Consulting Engineer for Litigation

Past Positions: Director of Facilities Management, Real Estate & Construction | Forensic Engineer | Inventor | Chief of Engineering | Adjunct Faculty | Construction Superintendent | Surveyor | Field Engineer | Draftsman
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I'm reminded of the old adage to: "Lead, Follow -OR- Get Out of the Way!" So, one must understand that true leadership includes constantly holding oneself to same standards of performance - if not even higher - than everyone else. Obviously, if Stakeholders aren't seeing the project goals the same as me then there's a major problem, and perhaps that problem is - ME? I'd have to suggest a meeting of the stakeholders to identify what the problem is and if found to be ME to then support the route favored by Stakeholders to be pursued. I've always found Stakeholders to offer the best ideas on projects - far better than anything that I alone could ever come up with myself.

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What do you do if stakeholders are resistant to your project goals?

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3

4

5

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1 Understand Concerns

2 Build Rapport

3 Educate Thoroughly

4 Offer Alternatives

5 Compromise Wisely

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

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What do you do if stakeholders are resistant to your project goals?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Concerns

2 Build Rapport

3 Educate Thoroughly

4 Offer Alternatives

5 Compromise Wisely

6 Reflect and Adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Environmental Engineering

Rate this article

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