Importance of Stakeholder Management in Programme Management

It is crucial to identify and engage with stakeholders who can influence or impact the programme. The latest PMBOK® or PgMBOK® Standards have included stakeholder management as a knowledge area. To master this competency, communication is the key, and it confirms the Levin-Ward Competency Model.

Based on the Levin-Ward Competency Model, the key personal competencies for Programme Mangers are:

1. Communication
2. Leading
3. Building Relationships
4. Negotiation
5. Thinking Critically
6. Facilitating
7. Mentoring
8. Embracing Change

Why do Programme Managers need these Key Personal Competencies?

Building good relationships with stakeholders is a vital skill for programme management. Good relationships can help solve problems, and stakeholders can offer the necessary support when required. In contrast, a bad relationship can cause significant problems even for minor deviations from the contract. Therefore, the Programme Manager should initiate stakeholder management as early as possible.

Developing a Stakeholder Management Plan

To develop a Stakeholder Management Plan, it is essential to brainstorm with the team about potential stakeholders, analyse each stakeholder’s influence and interest, and consider their specific needs or requirements. Based on the above, the Programme Manager can develop a communication management plan to satisfy most stakeholders based on their interests. The Stakeholder Management Strategy should include the communication management plan and how to engage key stakeholders throughout the programme’s life cycle.

To optimize the efforts, the Programme Manager should keep a stakeholder list, which is overall managed by the programme team, and a separate list of “special cases” stakeholders who require significant time and effort to build and maintain a good relationship. The communication management plan should encompass all stakeholders and their needs, and it should be kept in a way that there is no harm to anyone if it leaks out from the team.

Managing Stakeholder Relationships

For stakeholders who have special requirements or high influence, the Programme Manager needs to have additional information, usually very sensitive, which should be kept in their own database or books, which cannot leak to anyone. Regular meetings (face-to-face or online), meeting records, progress measurement and reporting, project dashboard, correspondence, presentations, and education are standard measures for stakeholder management. However, too many meetings, badly organised meetings, and huge reports do not contribute to project success. Projects need action towards the future to get the job done.

In my opinion, good or even great relationships are built over time when project teams and partners work together, have lunch or dinner together, know each other beyond work, and can trust each other that what is said and promised will be delivered. This requires daily and weekly follow-up, honest and true communication, and a touch of humour.

Stakeholder management needs to be dynamic as the relationships and the need for stakeholder management change throughout the project. Key topics and requirements need to be in writing, regardless of how much you trust a person. Those who will finish the project with you are the key stakeholders, as they will most likely deliver and sign the project from the contractor or employer’s side. It is all about project completion and the money involved.

Positive relationship management is of the essence if you want to continue working in the same industry. It is a challenge to get the right people for the job, and if you have good relationship management, you can attract talent to your project when needed. Have a vision, a plan, stick to the plan and your promise, be tough but fair and clear, and people will like working with you.

Adding Value through Agile Project Management and Business Transformation

In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, where technological advancements are disrupting traditional business models, it’s more important than ever for Programme Managers to adapt to new ways of working. The rise of Web3.0, for example, is already transforming industries such as finance, real estate, and healthcare. As a Programme Manager, it’s crucial to stay up to date on emerging technologies and trends, and to be able to implement them in your projects.

#1 Enabling Efficient and Effective Work

Agile project management is another key competency that is becoming increasingly important for Programme Managers. With remote and hybrid project management becoming the norm in many industries, being able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and deliver results in a timely manner is essential. By adopting agile methodologies, Programme Managers can enable their teams to work more efficiently and effectively, and deliver value to stakeholders faster.

#2 Creating a Culture of Innovation and Transformation

Business transformation is yet another area where Programme Managers can add value. As companies look to reinvent themselves and stay ahead of the competition, Programme Managers can help to identify opportunities for innovation and lead initiatives to drive change. By combining their expertise in stakeholder management, communication, and relationship-building, Programme Managers can help to create a culture of innovation and transformation within their organisations.

Conclusion: Stakeholder Management and relationship Building are Essential Competencies for Programme Managers

In conclusion, stakeholder management and relationship-building enable them to navigate complex projects and deliver results that meet the needs of all stakeholders. By adopting a future-oriented approach and staying up to date on emerging trends and technologies, Programme Managers can stay ahead of the curve and continue to add value to their organisations. And by leveraging the power of professional mentorship, they can accelerate their own development and contribute to the growth and success of the Programme Management community.

Join our LinkedIn Group for Programme Management Insights

As a subject matter expert and mentor, I have seen first-hand how professional mentorship can help Programme Managers to develop their skills and advance their careers. By sharing their knowledge and experience with others, Programme Managers can help to build a community of like-minded professionals who are committed to excellence in Programme Management. That’s why I encourage all Programme Managers to join the Project-Mentors™ LinkedIn Group, where they can connect with other professionals, share best practices, and learn from each other.

Cheers, Peter