Last updated on Jan 30, 2024

What are the most effective ways to build and maintain stakeholder relationships during change?

Change is inevitable and often necessary for any organization to grow and adapt. However, change can also bring uncertainty, resistance, and conflict among the stakeholders involved. Stakeholders are the people who have an interest or influence in the outcome of the change, such as employees, customers, suppliers, partners, regulators, and shareholders. Building and maintaining positive and productive relationships with them is crucial for the success of any change initiative. In this article, you will learn some of the most effective ways to do so.

1 Identify and prioritize stakeholders

Before you start communicating and engaging with your stakeholders, you need to identify who they are and what their expectations, needs, and concerns are. You can use a stakeholder analysis tool, such as a matrix or a map, to categorize them based on their level of interest and power in the change. This will help you prioritize your efforts and tailor your messages and actions according to their preferences and influence. For example, you may need to spend more time and resources on stakeholders who have high interest and high power, as they can either support or sabotage your change.

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Varinder Kumar

BOM Manger CIL
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To effectively build and maintain stakeholder relationships during change, focus on clear and transparent communication, actively involve stakeholders in the change process, understand and address their concerns, demonstrate leadership commitment, maintain consistent messaging, provide feedback mechanisms, celebrate milestones, build trust, and continuously monitor and adapt your strategies. Empathy and emotional intelligence are also key in acknowledging and navigating the emotions associated with change.

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2 Communicate clearly and frequently

Communication is the key to building trust and rapport with your stakeholders. You need to communicate the vision, purpose, benefits, and progress of the change in a clear, concise, and consistent manner. You also need to communicate the potential risks, challenges, and trade-offs of the change, and how you plan to address them. You should use various channels and formats, such as emails, newsletters, meetings, webinars, videos, podcasts, or social media, to reach your stakeholders and suit their preferences. You should also communicate frequently and regularly, and update your stakeholders on any changes or developments.

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Michael Dean

Project Manager
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One thing I've found helpful is to find out how leadership stakeholders like to be informed. Some prefer: daily updates, weekly updates, detailed reports, or high level dashboards. Setting these expectations during your planning phase will ensure your communications plan will be successful.

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3 Involve and empower stakeholders

Another way to build and maintain stakeholder relationships during change is to involve and empower them in the change process. You can do this by soliciting their feedback, input, and suggestions on the change plan, design, and implementation. You can also invite them to participate in workshops, focus groups, surveys, or brainstorming sessions to co-create solutions and generate ideas. By involving and empowering your stakeholders, you can increase their ownership, commitment, and support for the change. You can also leverage their expertise, insights, and perspectives to improve the quality and effectiveness of the change.

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4 Manage expectations and emotions

Change can create unrealistic expectations and negative emotions among your stakeholders. For example, some stakeholders may expect immediate results or benefits from the change, while others may feel anxious, angry, or fearful about the change. To manage these expectations and emotions, you need to set clear and realistic goals and milestones for the change, and communicate them to your stakeholders. You also need to acknowledge and empathize with their feelings, and provide them with the necessary support and resources to cope with the change. You can also celebrate and reward their achievements and contributions to the change.

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5 Resolve conflicts and issues

Conflict and issues are inevitable during change, as different stakeholders may have different opinions, interests, or agendas. To resolve these conflicts and issues, you need to listen actively and respectfully to your stakeholders, and understand their perspectives and concerns. You also need to communicate openly and honestly, and address any misunderstandings or misinformation. You should also seek to find common ground and mutual benefits, and negotiate and compromise when needed. You should also avoid blaming or criticizing your stakeholders, and focus on solving the problem rather than attacking the person.

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6 Build and maintain relationships

Finally, you need to build and maintain relationships with your stakeholders beyond the change. You can do this by following up and following through on your promises and commitments, and delivering on the expected outcomes and benefits of the change. You can also provide feedback and recognition to your stakeholders, and appreciate their efforts and support. You can also seek to learn from your stakeholders, and ask for their feedback and suggestions on how to improve your performance and collaboration. You can also maintain regular contact and communication with your stakeholders, and keep them informed and engaged in your future plans and initiatives.

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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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Judy-Ann G.

Teaching & Learning Consultant. Curriculum Advisor. International Speaker. NPQSL Facilitator. Literacy Coach. HBCU alumnus. Author.
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Building relationships during times of change can be challenging, but it's also crucial for navigating transitions successfully. One power player that cannot be skirted around or dismissed is the power of listening. Actively listening to the concerns and feedback of others can create a supportive environment where individuals feel heard and understood. Acknowledging perspectives and validating feelings are key steps at this stage. This will indeed foster a sense of connection and empathy.

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What are the most effective ways to build and maintain stakeholder relationships during change?

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2

3

4

5

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1 Identify and prioritize stakeholders

2 Communicate clearly and frequently

3 Involve and empower stakeholders

4 Manage expectations and emotions

5 Resolve conflicts and issues

6 Build and maintain relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

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What are the most effective ways to build and maintain stakeholder relationships during change?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify and prioritize stakeholders

2 Communicate clearly and frequently

3 Involve and empower stakeholders

4 Manage expectations and emotions

5 Resolve conflicts and issues

6 Build and maintain relationships

7 Here’s what else to consider

Staff Development

Rate this article

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