Life is busy and there are so many people to stay in contact with using so many different platforms. By learning how to use this new tool, you’ll be able to see who really matters and pick and choose how you spend your time communicating with them. 

Stakeholder Map

• Watch the attached video.
• Remember that SMART goal you set in our first module? Grab it! You’re going to need it for what comes next. You will create a stakeholder map that will help support you in achieving this goal.
• Who are the stakeholders that are important for helping you achieve this goal? Think about the stakeholders (AKA people) in your life who can really help you achieve what you’re aiming for. Jot down their names on a fresh sheet of paper.
• Draw a stakeholder map in your notebook or use this template in google docs that is on the last slide of the video.
• Plot each of the stakeholders in the quadrant that best fits their position of influence (power) and interest (involvement).
• Want some feedback? Share your map with your fellow classmates or with those closest to you. What are their thoughts?

Communication Plan

• Now that you’ve got your stakeholder map all set up, it’s time to plan how you’ll keep in touch with each one. Look at where you placed them on your map—each quadrant has different needs, right? Based on that, create a communication plan for each stakeholder group.
  • Have you been neglecting anyone that needs more time and attention?
  • Did you have the order of priority a bit off?
  • Who is the most important and how can you manage your time to give them that attention?
• Time to buddy up! Share your communication plan with a partner and get their thoughts.

Reflect

• How does the way you communicate (like the format and how often) connect to the importance of each stakeholder on your map? Explain the relationship between the two.
• Explain how the communication plan will get more buy-in from your stakeholders.
• What hurdles do you anticipate with your communication plan?
• Does this communication plan seem doable? Why or why not?

Post your map and reflection on the path.

To continue, return to the Module 2 Opportunity Card.