What is stakeholder mapping?

Top stakeholder mapping tips

• The best method to conduct a stakeholder map is through collaboration. While working with a team, you can conduct a workshop to construct a stakeholder map
• When workshopping, it’s vital to have a lead to navigate and direct the group in a way that enables the most efficient and effective capture of information
• A stakeholder workshop should involve plenty of post-its and participants should be encouraged to draw lines of connections, highlight pain points, and actively voice different challenges throughout the process
• The content of your communications in a stakeholder map must be clear. You want to avoid jargon and simply present the facts. Be transparent when you’re communicating, and always note what is certain and what is not
• Crucially, be open to your stakeholders’ feedback and recognise how their opinions can impact your decisions

How to use stakeholder mapping

If you’re still not sure how stakeholder maps help, think of it this way – stakeholder maps help you successfully identify and manage your stakeholders. You could make it up as you go, but success is more likely when you have a clear plan of action. 

You can use stakeholder maps to:

• Engage key stakeholders early on to gather critical input and support to get your project off the ground
• Secure needed resources, giving you the momentum to move a product, service or project forward
• Improve communication to build understanding among stakeholders, align them with your goals and plans, and maintain support throughout
• Anticipate stakeholder questions, concerns, and needs so you can craft more effective messaging and make decisions that are more likely to keep your stakeholders happy

The better you understand your internal and external stakeholders, the better you can communicate with them and secure their support. Using stakeholder maps can guide this process

How often should you map stakeholders?

There’s no universal rule for how often a business should map its stakeholders. This will largely depend on the business model and the amount of change it’s subject to.

Many companies will routinely review their stakeholder maps annually or every few months, while others will conduct a review just before a new project or initiative begins. 

Regardless of how often you choose to review your stakeholder maps, be sure to allocate the necessary resources for these important assessments. With each new analysis, it’s important to update your engagement strategies and communicate changes with teammates.

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