In this episode, hosts Merv Jersak and Tim Jerome discuss practical strategies for dealing with difficult stakeholders, particularly 'rogue’ executives, and emphasizes the importance of never publicly challenging such individuals, instead suggesting delivering strong results to mitigate confrontation. Techniques are shared for engaging disinterested stakeholders, managing changes in project leadership, and treating stakeholders at all levels as people first, underlining the importance of mutual respect, clear communication, and understanding each stakeholder's unique perspective and concerns. The discussion advocates for a thoughtful, human-centered approach to project management, aiming for collaborative success through stakeholder involvement and adaptability.

Main Take-Aways

Stakeholders are necessary for project success, but:

• Some stakeholders will be difficult to work with
• Some stakeholders will not readily engage
• Some stakeholders will arrive on the project when the project is well underway
• Some stakeholders will leave the project and new stakeholders take their place
• Some stakeholders will be intimidating

Show Notes

Today’s Project Managers Coffee Chat: Strategies for Effective Engagement of Our Stakeholders

00:28 Introducing the challenges of dealing with difficult or non-engaged stakeholders.

00:51 Strategies for managing the rogue executive stakeholder: avoid challenging in public, respect the position, deliver well, confront the behavior (not the person) in a professional manner.

07:43 Addressing a lack of engagement among stakeholders: educate them on the need for their involvement, respectfully confront their lack of involvement, be collaborative.

13:39 Navigating changes in stakeholder dynamics.

15:51 Overcoming feelings of intimidation by stakeholders senior in rank and authority to yourself, by humanizing these higher ranking individuals and establishing professional relationships.

20:32 Always follow up and follow through.