How to Map Stakeholders?
Stakeholder mapping helps you figure out who will be most affected by a project. The following steps will show you who to engage when planning your project.
Stakeholder Mapping Process
Step 1: Determine your stakeholders
When you think about your project, ask the question, “Who cares?” Those are your stakeholders, whether they’re inside your organization, on your client list, in the local community or beyond. You don’t need names. Jot down their roles or titles, perhaps with the organizations they represent.
Step 2: Consider gaps
Intentionally pause and ask, whose voice may be missing? What are the barriers/constraints to engaging these folks? How might we overcome these barriers?
Step 3: Prioritize your stakeholders
You can prioritize your stakeholders by plotting them using a Power/Interest Matrix, according to who has decision-making power and who is directly affected by the problem.
Learn from your High-Interest stakeholders and keep them informed. They are your first and best resource. As Carvell Wallace says, "A problem is best solved by the people who have it." Manage the High-Power stakeholders by determining what they need to know in order to make well-informed decisions.
This provides a launch point to consider which stakeholders you need to engage in your upcoming engagement activities.