Stakeholder Engagement: The Game Changer for Program Management (Best Practices in Portfolio, Program, and Project Management)

Strong stakeholder engagement is perhaps the most critical factor for achieving successful program execution in our fast-paced world. Many program managers get stuck in the "science" of program management, spending vast amounts of effort on tasks, charts, and metrics. Program managers who emphasize activities around relationship building and stakeholder engagement usually have the best chance for program success. This book focuses on how to engage your stakeholders in the right way, and keep them engaged throughout the course of your program. The first section of the book covers stakeholder engagement in the program definition phase, including how to identify key stakeholders, gain their trust, and build relationships through effective communication. The second section moves to the project execution phase. It explains how to drive stakeholder engagement through the use of performance metrics, effective meeting management, and informal program governance. In the last section, the author explains how to keep stakeholders engaged through the program closure phase. This section covers the operational readiness review, including transition plans, new process documentation and training, new technology rollout, and cultural readiness assessment. It also provides best practices and tips for holding the post-launch review and lessons learned session. The book concludes with a case study of a fictitious company, followed by discussion questions that allow you to apply the knowledge you have gained in this book. Front Cover 1 Contents 9 Introduction 15 Chapter 1: Stakeholder Alignment : Goals and Objectives 21 Chapter 2: Making Governance Work for You 37 Chapter 3: Identifying Stakeholders : The “Hidden” Organization Chart 51 Chapter 4: It Is a Matter of Trust : Building Strong Business Relationships with Key Stakeholders 71 Chapter 5: Leveraging Stakeholders to Prepare Your Organization for Change 83 Chapter 6: Enhancing Stakeholder Engagement through Effective Communication 99 Chapter 7: Demystifying Metrics : Measuring What Matters Most 117 Chapter 8: Making Meetings Count : Driving Stakeholder Engagement through Disciplined Meeting Management 127 Chapter 9: Where the Real Work Gets Done : Issue Resolution through Informal Governance 145 Chapter 10: Office Politics : From Surviving to Thriving 159 Chapter 11: Making a Strong Finish : Stakeholder Engagement through Program Closure 173 Chapter 12: Post-Launch : Every End Is a New Beginning 185 References 195 Appendix A: Case Study and Study Questions 197 Appendix B: Glossary 213 Appendix C: Acronym List 217 Back Cover 219 Strong stakeholder engagement is perhaps the most critical factor for achieving successful program execution in our fast-paced world. Many programme managers get stuck in the 'science' of programme management, spending vast amounts of effort on tasks, charts, and metrics. Programme managers who emphasise activities around relationship building and stakeholder engagement usually have the best chance for programme success. This book focuses on how to engage your stakeholders in the right way, and keep them engaged throughout the course of your programme