Stakeholder management is an important role of any Product Manager / Owner. This presentation contains 7 practical tips that you can follow to strengthen your relationship with stakeholders.

1. 7 tips for
better
stakeholder
management
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2. Stakeholders are not the
end user of the product
(most of the time)
Some stakeholders might present
themselves as the end user but in
reality, they won’t be using the product.

3. Stakeholders are
not my enemies
Eventually, I realized stakeholders are
people just like you and me. They have a
mission, vision and daily commitments.
They are trying to achieve a goal they
believe in

4. Stakeholders are
my partners
As my business partners, they have
differing knowledge, skills, powers,
agendas and wishes. They work with me
to get things done so we can deliver the
best product or solution.

5. Stakeholders are
experts
They are experts in one area of the
business. They have teams, targets,
budgets, and plans. Most of them have
also bonuses that they don’t want to
miss out on, so they might be pushy
about getting things done.

6. Stakeholders are
enablers
They can make things possible. Once
you partner up with them, they can
enable you to do more. Use what they
offer to get closer to your goals.

7. 1. Take the time to
understand stakeholders
it’s crucial to connect with them and
understand their needs. When you take
the time to do so, it will make it easier
for you to know what you should do
when they come to you.

8. 2. Understand their why
before implementing their
what or how
Some stakeholders come to you with
the solution they think is best to
implement. Usually, these solutions
won’t be used by them, but rather by the
end user.

9. 3. Watch out for your ego
and the ego of stakeholders
It’s not about who is right or wrong or
which way to go. It’s about doing the
right thing for the product within the
restrictions, possibilities, and
considerations.

10. 4. Say no if you think their
requests are not adding
value to the product
Stakeholders are your partners. See
them as equals and not as above or
below you. (You should never see
anyone in this way.) As partners, you
discuss, brainstorm and reach solutions
together.

11. 5. Enable collaboration
between the team and
stakeholders
Don’t restrict stakeholders from
contacting your team. Let them
connect with your team members and
share ideas. Encourage them to
connect and create a safe environment
for sharing ideas.

12. 6. Lead meeting with
stakeholders
Watch out for the stakeholders that
create noise without adding value.
Focus on your goal and lead them
toward what is possible.

13. 7. Lead with
courage
As a product owner, you are a leader
who brings different perspectives
together to maximize value. Lead with
courage in every interaction with
stakeholders.

14. What are your tips for
better stakeholder
management?
Please share your thoughts in the
comment and let's evolve together.
Amanj Hamid