Few things will kill the development of a successful program designed for change than unengaged stakeholders. For many, the desire to get things done quicklycauses the elements of communication and engagement to fall by the wayside. If you have been in that situation, you know how easily you end up wondering at the end why your new or improved process isn’t going as well as planned.
I have found that it saves a great deal of time and work if you spend the up front time engaging key stakeholders across the business. This process is critical, yes, I said it, CRITICAL, to ensuring change is successfully enacted. It helps on several levels, for example:
- You identify your internal supporters and detractors. Listening to them helps you develop their WIFM and ensure you are able to overcome obstacles.
- The stakeholders feel a part of the change. Their voice is heard and thoughtfully understood.
- The initial stakeholders identify other people you need to add to the list.
This is a process I teach my team and advocate for every new program or process. When you have stakeholder interviews up front, you get great ideas to help you be even more successful and identify the obstacles to overcome. Having this group on your communication list for ongoing updates also helps keep your improvement top of mind. Do you engage your stakeholders at the beginning of every new project or program?
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