What is Stakeholder Mapping?
Stakeholder mapping is the process of finding, analyzing and visually representing all the people or groups that have an interest in a project and can impact the outcome. The goal is to know who they are, what they expect and how much power they have so you can manage relationships and avoid conflicts.
The process involves creating a map or matrix where stakeholders are placed based on their level of interest and influence. For example, those with high influence and high interest, like key executives or clients, need to be managed closely and communicated with frequently. Those with low influence but high interest, like team members, need to be informed but may not need to be involved in decision making. This visual representation helps the team see the bigger picture and focus engagement efforts.
Common mistake is to confuse stakeholders with shareholders. Shareholders own part of the company but may not be directly involved in specific projects. Stakeholders can be clients, employees, suppliers, regulators or community groups – anyone affected by or can affect the project.
By using stakeholder mapping, teams can anticipate resistance, find allies and ensure communication strategies are tailored to the right people. This makes it easier to get alignment, get support and keep the project moving without obstacles.
