Key stakeholders resist your product roadmap changes. How will you gain their support?

The first step to gaining support is understanding the stakeholders' concerns. In my experience, hosting individual meetings or workshops to listen to their objections and understand their viewpoints is invaluable. For instance, during a recent roadmap revision, I held a series of one-on-one discussions which revealed that the primary concern was the potential impact on customer satisfaction. By addressing these specific concerns head-on, I could tailor my approach to be more effective in gaining their support.

The client always wants a problem to be solved when they ask for a solution to be implemented. Try to understand that said problem by having user empathy, and that will form the base of conceptualizing a solution that matches with the requirements.

Value - that's where all the decisions are finally made. You need to convince all the stakeholders that the product roadmap produces enough value for them. For the client, show the revenue numbers - this could be a part of performance improvement, processing requirement reduction, manpower reduction, or a general efficiency increase. For your bosses, it could mean lesser costs, and more clients. Similarly, figure out what is valued at what stakeholder and solve for that.

Clearly communicating the value of the proposed changes is crucial. I focus on illustrating how the changes align with the overall strategic goals and benefit the stakeholders. During a roadmap update, I presented a detailed benefits analysis, showing how the new features would drive user engagement and increase revenue. Using data and projections, I highlighted the long-term value, which helped stakeholders see the bigger picture and understand the necessity of the changes.

Involving stakeholders to be part of the planning process in the roadmap is very crucial. This makes the stakeholders feel heard and that their feedback is valuable to you. These stakeholders are more likely to support our plans and any changes you have now or in future. Remember, involvement leads to commitment.

Identify and Engage Key Stakeholders: Determine who your key stakeholders are and how you will involve them throughout the process. Create a stakeholder map to understand their level of influence and interest, and define the best way to engage each group. Meet with them individually first to gather their input before bringing everyone together.

Offering reassurance about the changes is essential, especially if there are concerns about risks or disruptions. I provide detailed plans on how we will mitigate risks and ensure a smooth transition. In a recent project, stakeholders were worried about potential downtime. I reassured them by presenting a phased rollout plan with extensive testing phases and contingency measures. This clear and structured approach helped alleviate their fears and garnered their support.

Communicate Regularly and Transparently: Maintain open and frequent communication with stakeholders. Provide regular updates on roadmap progress, explain the reasoning behind decisions, and be transparent about tradeoffs. This builds trust and a sense of co-ownership in the roadmap.

Being open to feedback and willing to pivot if necessary is crucial. If stakeholders present valid concerns or better alternatives, I’m ready to adjust the roadmap. For instance, during a major project pivot, I incorporated stakeholder feedback to refine our approach, which led to a more robust and accepted plan. This flexibility shows that their opinions matter and that the ultimate goal is the product’s success.

Define Your Product Strategy: Gain clarity on your overarching product strategy and goals. Align with stakeholders on the high-level areas you want to focus on and the business objectives you're trying to achieve. This "why" behind the roadmap is crucial for getting everyone on the same page.

explain the reasons and align them with overall goals. Present data to back your decisions and show the benefits. Address their concerns and find common ground. Highlight positive impacts and regularly update them on progress. This approach builds trust and secures their support.