What are some ways to engage stakeholders in new idea exploration?

One of the most critical and ignored process in project management is stakeholder analysis. This process will help to identify who are the stakeholders in the project, their interest level and their influence. This can be presented in a 4 quadrant matrix with low-high interest on one axis, and low-high influence on the other.

Design thinking can help identify stakeholders using some of the techniques other authors have generously shared here, but also drives you to enact empathy to deeply understand the needs they have and the value your product/ service / concept / idea can deliver to the stakeholder . Connecting them to the purpose of your work and genuinely understanding their fears concerns potential losses and opportunities will provide you with the ingredients needed to respond and fit the context and immediate landscape. I have seen the perils of ignoring, forgetting or underestimating the power of disenchanted stakeholders, leading to absolute derailment of your well intended efforts.

Don't underestimate the importance of understanding each stakeholder's needs and perspective. The adage "seek first to understand then to be understood" rings true. Stakeholders want to be heard and understood but when we are enthralled by our enthusiasm for our idea, it can get in the way of hearing or allowing stakeholders the opportunity to share their perspective. Listening and curiosity are key.

For some of the key stakeholders who may influence resources or other stakeholders, a one on one conversation, ideally in person, can work wonders. If trying to move a bigger group to change, individual conversations, while time intensive, will help support the alignment of all to your overall goals.

Getting stakeholder feedback is critical throughout every phase, and the ideation is no different. Surveys, interviews, and questionnaires are all ways to ways feedback. Doing testing in a beta phase is another good way to get stakeholder input.

It is up to the leader to find the best ways to capture and manage expectations of various stakeholders. The best method as stated is to organize brainstorming sessions across versatile different teams, groups, organizations, expertise.

I would rather call this stakeholder engagement. In other words, the higher the engagement of the stakeholders, will definitely lead to better decision making process. Stakeholders engagement can be achieved by active listening, reaching to consensus and ensure inclusiveness.

I believe transparency increases credibility, and the higher the credibility, the more the engagement of the stakeholders. The biggest threat are the stakeholders who are disengaged as they believe their expectations are not met, because of lack of information.

I believe support and collaboration are the cornerstones of any leadership. There can not be leadership without support, guidance, mentorship, etc. This is how leaders lay the foundation for a strong team based on helping each other and recognizing their efforts, while being humble.

The key to involving stakeholders in new ideas and initiatives is communications. I am always surprised to find that many leaders underestimate the value of regular communications with coworkers, staff, customers etc. The problem is that good communications, in particular if they go both ways, are extremely time consuming. On the other hand there is no other way to create enthusiasm and involvement around new ideas and initiatives. A surprisingly beneficial by-product is that the leaders receive back input which can be basis for substantial improvements of their initiatives or for entirely new projects. If you believe all this sounds very basic - tell me how much time do YOU devote to communications with broad stakeholder groups?