Rethinking "Stakeholder Management" for Better Team Dynamics
Written on
Understanding Stakeholder Management
The term "stakeholder management" often feels inadequate to describe the essence of building relationships. My approach tends to emphasize a holistic view over a segmented one. This philosophy led me to establish Conscious Product Development, and it’s why I find the phrase "stakeholder management" problematic; it reduces people to mere roles, adopts a transactional tone, and imposes limits without necessary context.
Language shapes our thoughts and expectations, establishing hierarchies and revealing deeper meanings. As product managers, we are encouraged to "lead with influence, not authority" and to act as the "mini-CEO" of our products despite lacking the CEO's formal authority. I prefer to reframe this: "How can I cultivate robust relationships and encourage collaboration across teams to achieve shared objectives?"
In my experience, I've witnessed environments where we assembled some of the brightest specialists to tackle unprecedented challenges, yet we barely scratched the surface of our potential due to:
- Undefined product vision and objectives, leading to confusion about the problems we are solving and the success metrics we should aim for.
- Strained relationships within and between teams, often originating from leadership.
- Ineffective communication practices, resulting in unclear meetings and wasted time.
- Inflexible processes that hinder adaptation as teams and products evolve.
- Lack of foundational product principles that guide our decisions and feedback.
- Organizational structures that foster silos rather than collaboration.
My background in competitive sports has shown me similar patterns. Whether striving to create a product that enhances lives or winning a championship, the strength of relationships and collaborative spirit matters more than individual talent or resources.
The Details Matter
In product management, context is crucial; various factors such as organizational structure and leadership changes can influence dynamics. Here are practical strategies to build effective relationships:
Establish a Solid Foundation
Start from the ground up. If alignment isn't achieved early on, even the most skilled team members won't yield the desired results. Create a clear goal and framework from the outset.
Initiate 1-on-1 Meetings
Proactively set up individual meetings with your direct team and key collaborators when you begin a new role. Understanding each person's context and responsibilities is vital for fostering strong connections.
Strategically Connect with Key Players
Identify essential job functions in your organization and develop a plan to share information effectively with them. Utilize frameworks like RACI and DACI to clarify roles in decision-making.
Meet People Where They Are
Recognize that everyone has a unique context. Approach communication empathetically, considering their perspectives and gaps in understanding.
Use Inclusive Language
Emphasize collective terms like "us" and "we" over "I" and "you." Being mindful of people's pronouns and names fosters an inclusive environment.
Practice Active Listening
Give others the space to express their thoughts without interruptions.
Ask Questions, Don’t Assume
Approach situations with curiosity rather than presumption. This facilitates understanding and reduces misunderstandings.
Acknowledge Contributions
Recognize individual efforts, fostering a sense of value and belonging within the team.
Manage Your Time Wisely
Allocate focused time for your strategic work to avoid reactionary firefighting.
Do Your Homework
Seek guidance from experts in new areas to fill knowledge gaps effectively.
Involve People Early
Engage team members in the initial stages of product development to ensure alignment and shared understanding.
Maintain a Decision Tracker
Document decisions to provide clarity and context for future inquiries, especially during transitions.
Be Open to Difficult Conversations
Address issues directly and objectively, ensuring all parties feel heard and valued.
This video dives deeper into reimagining business meetings and incentive travel, focusing on specific strategies for better collaboration.
Chapter 2 Title
In this video, experts discuss the evolving landscape of business meetings and incentive travel in the post-COVID era, emphasizing the importance of effective relationship-building.
In conclusion, I welcome your thoughts on cultivating meaningful relationships in the workplace. I plan to explore additional topics related to this theme in future articles. If you have suggestions for content, please share them!
-Lisa 🧢
Follow me on Twitter: @lisazane15