Fundamentals of Stakeholder Management

Overview

This interactive 90-minute session introduces straightforward tools to identify, map, and engage stakeholders more effectively. Learners work with a simple framework to assess influence and support, adapt communication styles, and plan targeted engagement. The session blends practical techniques with relatable examples to help strengthen working relationships and improve collaboration.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this course. An open mindset and willingness to participate in interactive exercises will enhance the learning experience.

Target audience

Professionals in any role who collaborate with stakeholders — whether internal colleagues, external partners, or organizational leaders — and want to reduce resistance, improve alignment, and build stronger relationships.

Objectives

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Explain how stakeholder behavior influences outcomes.
• Map stakeholders using a Support–Influence framework.
• Adapt communication based on stakeholder preferences.
• Develop a simple engagement plan for one real stakeholder.

Outline

• Why Stakeholder Management Matters: How stakeholder attitudes and actions shape outcomes.
• Stakeholder Mapping: A clear method to identify who needs attention and why.
• Tailoring Communication: How different preferences shape trust, clarity, and response.
• Your Stakeholder Engagement Plan: Space to build a short, focused plan to improve one key relationship.

Exams and assessments

There are no formal exams or graded assessments in this course. Learners will participate in practical exercises and reflection tasks to consolidate their understanding.

Hands-on learning

This session includes:

• Mapping one real stakeholder using the Support–Influence framework
• Identifying preferred communication styles and likely motivators
• Practical group activity to plan targeted engagement steps
• Instructor guidance to refine approaches for improving alignment or reducing resistance