The psychology of project management and using a stakeholder register beyond the norm.

1. Nuances of Stakeholder Communication
DAMIAN MOBLEY, PMP, CSM, MCTS, OCP (  T H A T ’ S O R A C L E C E R T I F I E D P R O F E S S I O N A L … N E V E R
U S E D I T B U T I T ’ S M O R E L E T T E R S B E H I N D M Y N A M E , H E Y - O ! )
DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL SYSTEMS, NORWEX
DMOBLEY@NORWEX.COM

2. Rate me!
http://speakerscore.com/djwmobley
Don’t worry, I’ll show you this link again at the end.

3. First, a poll.
Are you a people watcher?
POLL #1

4. The art of observation.
How do people normally observe other people?
◦ “’People watching’ is casual observation… It is what we do most of the time – observing
others in a haphazard way. We may be taking mental notes, or may not be paying much
attention at all. This is about as far as most people get.” ~ Barbara Sommer, Lecturer -
Psychology, UC Davis
http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/faculty_sites/sommerb/sommerdemo/observation/systematic.htm

5. What are we talking about again?
A brief discussion on observation, familiarization, interaction, and remembrance
to enhance stakeholder communication in a project – specifically, stakeholders
(who should be) helping you to bring the project to success.
http://queencedar.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/man-with-idea-bulb.jpg

6. Let’s get familiar, shall we?
To go beyond casual observation, and begin using what you know…
Gather Information
Classify
Interact
Review
Remember
What I like to call, the “GICIRR” Method.
http://mcuts.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/pencil-paper.jpg

7. nosce te ipsum.
Only slightly less well known than the Latin Delphic maxim
of “know thyself” is the Greek phrase,
◦ γνωρίζουν τα ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη σου
This of course means, “know thy stakeholders.”

8. Words of wisdom.
“You must know who your stakeholders are and their interests to
effectively manage them. It will save you from difficulties in the long
run and ensure that your project is successful.”
~ Jane Suchan, PMP, Microsoft Philosopher
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project-help/establish-and-manage-the-project-stakeholders-list-HA010172673.aspx

9. “Everyone is a sales(wo)man.”
Good salespeople know how to talk with a prospect before they begin the conversation.
Good salespeople keep track of how their interactions go.
Good salespeople adapt their approach to win.
http://blog.frontpointsecurity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/door-to-door-salesman.jpg

10. Does your company use a stakeholder register?
◦ It’s created during project initiation and actively maintained through the end of the project
◦ It’s created early on then looked at from time to time, updated infrequently
◦ Hit or miss
◦ It’s… created
◦ Sorry? What’s that?
POLL #2

11. Stepping beyond casual observation.
Getting the most out of a stakeholder registry:
•Everyone and every group has the basics applied.
•Heavier influence and first-hand contact means more information kept and
updated.
•Higher titles do not necessarily equate to more information.

12. Stepping beyond casual observation.
GICIRR – Gather Information
•Historical interactions/word of mouth/gossip.
•Initial observations.
•Administrative notes.

13. Stepping beyond casual observation.
GICIRR – Classify
•Brainstorm classifications.
• Age, location, temperament, likes & dislikes, accent, etc.
•Think outside the template.
•Use your time wisely.
LESS INFO MORE INFO
No interaction, little to no influence Daily interaction, high influence

14. Stepping beyond casual observation.
GICIRR – Interact
•Put the register to work.
•Pay attention and adapt.
•Make mental (or physical if you can)
notes of success or lack of success
with classification and presentation.
I like you!
Do this for me!
I like that you
like me. Ok!
http://wizzley.com/static/uploads/en/module/image/2012/04/08/2012-04-08_15-46-17_625.622x621.png

15. Stepping beyond casual observation.
GICIRR – Review
•Did that offhand suggestion of overtime materialize firebrands and
pitchforks?
•Did it make a difference that I consciously did not interrupt this
person while they were speaking?
•Did I get what I wanted? Did I get what the project needed?

16. Stepping beyond casual observation.
GICIRR – Remember
•Write it down.
•Refer to it later.
•Keep portions for those who come after you.

17. The fine print.
•Your mileage may vary – don’t overburden yourself.
•Take the right approach.
• Superior or subordinate?
• A client?
•Treat people professionally.
•Use what you know.
•Repeat the mantra, “This is not a football game.” if
necessary prior to engagement.
•Keep it secret… keep it safe.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATD-8gXKZoU/UF3_4pME0bI/AAAAAAAAAZE/4VQapfvzX_Y/s1600/hobbit4.png

18. Thank you.
Any questions?
Please rate me!
http://speakerscore.com/djwmobley
dmobley@norwex.com