Map out business, product, and project stakeholders that may impact or interact with the core team
Phases
Suggested Time
45-60 min
Participants
Core team, stakeholders
Why do it?
- Sometimes projects involve large numbers of stakeholders in varying departments, and they need to be identified.
- Identifies who is involved in a project
- Identifies who is invested in the outcome
- Identifies who has right of refusal
- Identifies who will support the team
- Identifies who are key decision makers
- Identifies who the team should meet with to help get context
- Stakeholder maps help to visually represent a user and their world while showing connections within a context such as an organization.
- They can help the team understand which parts of the organization will be affected by what is built.
When to do it?
As early as possible on a project, usually during a Kickoff.
What supplies are needed?
- Whiteboard or digital version like Miro
- Dry erase markers
- Large sticky notes
- Sharpies
How to use this method remotely?
There is currently a remote template available in Miro. Here you will find step instructions on how to conduct this practice remotely including general tips and info.
1. Open Miro. In the side menu, select ‘Templates’
2. Search for “Tanzu” to see all, or 2. Search for “Tanzu” to see all, or click here to use this template
How to Use this Method
Sample Agenda & Prompts
-
Provide all attendees at Kickoff with a large sticky note and have them write their:
- Name
- Title
- Department
-
Organize the sticky notes on the whiteboard before starting activity, placing the core team in the center, surrounded by clustered departments and project sponsors
Note: A core team member is someone who will be working on the project full-time
Tip: Creating a “straw man” version of the stakeholder map makes it easier for participants to edit what they see vs. create a map from scratch
Make sure people have name tags beforehand, it helps when calling on people
-
Walk through each “straw man” group and ask participants how they could support the core team
-
Create circles for departments and teams and connect people and/or teams with lines and directional arrows
-
Star key points of contact, especially if a department circle contains multiple people
Success/Expected Outcomes
You’ve succeeded when there exists a shared understanding of stakeholders involved so that teams can establish relationships, dive deeper where necessary and communicate appropriately.
Facilitator Notes & Tips
This exercise has a tendency to go long. Your job is to keep each description brief and give the team people to follow up with.
