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Stakeholder

Map

A database of stakeholders, with role and organizational placement.
A method to triage stakeholder engagement.

WHAT IS IT?

HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT

Understand why stakeholders are critical to your success.

Recognize the four types of stakeholders, why they matter, and how to engage.

Use our tool to identify stakeholders and prioritize who you engage.

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Why Do Stakeholders Matter?

A PROJECT CANNOT SUCCEED WITHOUT AGREEMENT

Participate in creating the solution, providing inputs that improve the quality of the work.

Supporters help improve the answer, accelerate, and influence change.

SUPPORTERS

Limit participation, preventing information that might be important from informing the solution.

DETRACTORS

Detractors lower the quality of the work or block what’s needed to succeed.

Accelerate the process, helping reach outcomes faster.

Syndicate the work, helping to drive consensus and, eventually, change.

Slow down the work by deprioritizing input or decisions.

Block or oppose decisions, investments, and other requirements.

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Four Types of Stakeholders

RECOGNIZE HOW THEY EACH CONTRIBUTE TO PROJECT SUCCESS

Optimize

Pay Attention

Amplify

Inform

Continuously engage. They are generally aligned, but critical to achieve outcomes.

These stakeholders may influence pieces of strategic achievement.

Not critical for decisions but keep informed so they are ready for implementation.

Target & address gaps. These stakeholders have significant influence over key strategic outcomes but lack awareness/alignment.

Importance

Stakeholder Map

Level of Alignment

The Four Stakeholder Types

Recognize the role of each stakeholder and the influence they have on achieving the desired outcome.

Identify Pay Attention stakeholders and the specific blockers that must be resolved to obtain their support.

Continuously engage Optimize stakeholders and use their feedback to find consensus.

Leverage Amplify stakeholders as allies to build trust and traction with Pay Attention audiences.

Keep Inform stakeholders in the loop for smooth implementations.

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Identify the Nodes of Influence

THEIR AGREEMENT IS REQUIRED, EVEN IF IT CHANGES THE ANSWER

Optimize

Pay Attention

Amplify

Inform

Importance

Stakeholder Map

Level of Alignment

What is a Node of Influence?

Not all stakeholders are created equal.

One or two executives often *must* agree with the recommendation to proceed or secure required resources or investment. Their agreement is a “must have.”

In fact, their agreement is so critical that compromise to secure approval is better than the “right” answer.

Your role as a consultant is to help your clients “find the yes” and keep momentum.

As a general rule, you’ll find there are only one or two nodes of influence in an organization.

FIND THE YES

Your job is to align a Node of Influence that opposes a solution through negotiation and compromise.

NODE OF INFLUENCE

Decision makers whose agreement and support of a solution is required for success.

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Our Stakeholder Mapping Tool

FIND IT HERE ON THE2X2 COMMUNITY

STAKEHOLDER MAPPING TOOL

Use our excel tool to identify individuals, understand organizational relationships, and prioritize stakeholders according to their importance and level of alignment.

CAUTION

STAKEHOLDER INFORMATION IS SENSITIVE & CONFIDENTIAL.

DO NOT write notes on individual stakeholders. Any information could be misinterpreted.

NEVER share personal information. Delete or return to client.

Stakeholder Database

Use the Database to document key stakeholder information.

Use the Matrix to show relationships and reporting structures.

Organization Matrix

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This document provided by our company is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We do not guarantee its accuracy or suitability for your specific needs. You are responsible for reviewing, customizing, and otherwise ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The Template does not create an attorney-client relationship, and we are not liable for any errors or damages resulting from its use. Any links to third-party content are at your own risk, and we do not endorse or assume responsibility for them. The Template is protected by intellectual property laws, and you may not distribute or modify it without our consent. We are not liable for any direct or indirect damages arising from the use of the Template. By using the Template, you agree to these terms. The2x2, 500 W 2^nd St. Suite 1900, Austin, TX 78701.

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