10 Habits Stakeholders Hate and how to Fix them

Managing expectations, keeping meetings engaging and concise, avoiding jargon, ensuring project outcomes are aligned with business goals, user-friendly tools, giving regular updates. These tactics and more are covered to help build stronger, more productive relationships with your stakeholders.

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Are you wondering why your stakeholders often get frustrated or become difficult to manage? Want some answers and tips?

From senior sponsors to CEOs, stakeholders are crucial players in your projects. But often, connecting with them can be tricky. Have you ever wondered why your stakeholders seem annoyed or disengaged?

In the latest podcast episode I explore 10 habits stakeholders hate the most and how to avoid them, increasing your chances of great working relationships with those that hold the funding or need to make key decisions to your product delivery.

1. Poor or Infrequent Communication

Stakeholders need regular updates to feel in control. Define communication boundaries upfront: what information will be shared, when, and through which channels. Stick to this schedule to build trust and confidence, both in your stakeholders and your team.

2. Not Managing Expectations

Optimism or pessimism in timelines, resource requirements, and benefits can mislead stakeholders. Be transparent about contingencies and unknowns, ensuring stakeholders understand the realistic scope and limitations of the project.

3. Boring Meetings

Long, dull meetings lose stakeholder interest. Use creative methods to make meetings engaging and ensure they are concise. Shorter, interactive sessions keep everyone involved and motivated.

4. Constant Re-baselining of Plans

Frequent changes to project plans frustrate stakeholders, especially those managing budgets. Anticipate potential threats and communicate early to manage expectations effectively.

5. Requiring Too Many Small Decisions

Stakeholders prefer to focus on big-picture decisions. Set clear decision-making boundaries so they can trust you with day-to-day choices, involving them only when necessary.

6. Project or Tech Speak

Avoid jargon and acronyms that can alienate non-technical stakeholders. Use plain language to ensure everyone understands project progress and can contribute effectively.

7. Ignoring Business Outcomes

Focus on the long-term benefits your project will bring, rather than just the immediate outputs. Stakeholders need to see how your work aligns with and supports broader business goals.

8. Us vs. Them Mentality

Foster a collaborative environment by emphasising shared goals and collective success. Use inclusive language like “our team” and “our priorities” to unify diverse departments towards common objectives.

9. Confusing Tools and Reporting Mechanisms

Inefficient tools can slow down productivity and frustrate stakeholders. Choose user-friendly tools and ensure stakeholders are trained adequately to use them. Simplify reporting requirements to what is necessary.

10. Feeling Out of Control

Uncertainty can make stakeholders anxious. Regular updates, clear communication, and defined roles help stakeholders feel more secure and empowered to support the project effectively.

In Closing…

Managing stakeholders effectively is essential for successful product delivery. Regular communication, setting clear expectations, and creating a collaborative environment are key. By avoiding the habits summarised, you can build stronger, more productive relationships with your stakeholders.

Do you have any more tips or habits to add? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM on LinkedIn.

The podcast episode is available on Spotify , Apple , Amazon , Audible

Keep changing your world!

Cliff

Reference:

APM : https://www.apm.org.uk/resources/find-a-resource/stakeholder-engagement/key-principles/