Why do you need to invest in enhanced stakeholder engagement?
Governments and the public are increasingly demanding meaningful stakeholder engagement and consultation. This shift is transforming the strategies organizations must adopt to be effective. Moving forward, stakeholder relations will prioritize building trust and engagement, as optional tools for managing reputation or avoiding crises, but as critical components of success.
To adapt, companies and governments need to rethink how they engage, consult, and evolve their organizational strategies to consistently apply the right approach. This involves shifting attitudes and adopting new tactics when working with internal and external stakeholders.
We expect deeper stakeholder engagement to become a fundamental part of project planning across organizations. But why wait until the competition has caught up? Here's our list of seven effective ways to enhance and drive deeper stakeholder engagement.
How to drive deeper stakeholder engagement
1. Map your internal stakeholders, too
You'll map your external stakeholders, but don't forget about the internal ones. Identify all relevant internal stakeholders and ensure everyone who needs to be involved is informed and prepared from the outset. For instance, if you need insights from subject matter experts or managers in other departments, engage them early and keep them in the loop throughout the process.
2. Listen beyond the noisy 20%
Meaningful engagement means empowering all voices, especially those less vocal. Too often, decisions are influenced by the loudest minority. Work to establish processes that capture a broad, balanced range of perspectives. Blend various engagement methods, including traditional in-person conversations, to foster deeper, more authentic dialogue.
3. Identify and build relationships with influencers
Proactively build relationships with external changemakers and influencers, even those who don't yet have a direct connection to your organization. These individuals are often deeply embedded in the community and can have lasting impacts. Engaging them early provides invaluable allies well before you need their support.
4. People support what they help create
This principle applies to your team and stakeholders alike. Deeper stakeholder engagement incorporates involvement, open conversations, and collaboration. For long-term projects, consider forming advisory groups or committees of stakeholders to maintain ongoing participation. Crucially, always acknowledge and demonstrate that stakeholder input has been heard, even when it doesn't result in immediate changes.
5. Document and track every engagement and consultation
There are many good reasons to document and track all stakeholder interactions. Regulatory requirements or internal policies may mandate it, but even beyond compliance, tracking engagement helps you demonstrate thorough consultation and accountability. It enables you to identify issues, prioritize concerns, and ensure follow-up actions are taken.
6. Report back to your stakeholders
Reporting back doesn't mean you have to change your plans every time. It simply shows stakeholders that their voices have been heard and respected. Transparency is key: stakeholders may become frustrated and disengaged if organizations solicit feedback but don't respond. Demonstrate clearly how input has influenced decisions or, when it hasn't, explain why respectfully and openly.
7. Include key executives intentionally
Creating awareness and understanding at the executive level is crucial. When key leaders grasp the issues and perspectives your stakeholders raise, they can better support strategic decisions informed by stakeholder input. This top-down support is vital for embedding engagement as a core organizational practice.
Why do you need to prioritize deeper stakeholder engagement
With these seven practical tips, you can enhance your stakeholder engagement approach. Remember, deeper engagement drives stronger relationships, better project outcomes, and enhanced trust, making it an indispensable part of modern organizational strategy.
