stakeholder-map

Stakeholder Map

Skill Overview

Systematically identify and analyze stakeholders using a power/interest grid, develop targeted communication strategies for different groups, and help project and product managers effectively manage key individuals’ expectations and engagement.

Applicable Scenarios

1. Product Launch Preparation

Before a product launch, use a stakeholder map to clarify which executives, engineering leads, and marketing teams need to be deeply involved and which only require periodic updates, ensuring timely information flow and a clear decision-making chain throughout the launch process.

2. Cross-Functional Team Collaboration

When multiple teams—such as product, engineering, design, and marketing—need to collaborate, use the power/interest matrix to identify key decision-makers and influencers, establish appropriate communication mechanisms, and reduce cross-departmental friction.

3. Project Stakeholder Management

From project initiation through completion, continuously identify and assess internal and external stakeholders—such as executives, legal, finance, external partners, and end users—dynamically adjusting communication strategies to ensure smooth project progress.

Core Functions

Stakeholder Identification and Classification

Systematically list all relevant individuals and groups—including executives, engineering leads, designers, marketing, sales, support, legal, finance, external partners, and end users—and classify them according to two dimensions: power (the ability to influence decisions, resources, and outcomes) and interest (the degree to which they are affected by the project).

Power/Interest Quadrant Placement

Place stakeholders on a 2×2 grid:

Manage Closely (high power + high interest): Communicate one-on-one regularly and involve them in decision-making early.

Keep Satisfied (high power + low interest): Provide regular updates and escalate only key issues.

Keep Informed (low power + high interest): Provide regular status updates, invite them to demonstrations, and gather feedback.

Monitor (low power + low interest): Provide light updates and information as needed.

Communication Strategy and Plan Generation

For each quadrant, recommend a specific communication frequency (daily/weekly/biweekly/monthly), communication format (one-on-one/email/Slack/meeting/dashboard), key messaging framework, and potential risks of neglecting the stakeholder. Generate a complete communication plan table, identify potential conflicts, and propose alignment strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Stakeholder Map?

A stakeholder map is a visual power/interest matrix used to identify key individuals in a project, assess their influence and level of concern, and develop corresponding communication strategies. It helps product and project managers ensure that the right information is communicated to the right people at the right time.

How Should Stakeholders Be Classified in a Power/Interest Matrix?

Assess each stakeholder across two dimensions: power (their ability to influence decisions, resource allocation, or project outcomes) and interest (the extent to which the project directly or indirectly affects them, or their level of involvement). For example, executives typically have high power but may have low interest unless the project directly affects their strategy, while end users generally have low power but high interest.

When Should a Stakeholder Map Be Created?

It is recommended in the following situations: when identifying key stakeholders at project initiation, planning communication strategies before a product launch, clarifying the decision-making chain during cross-functional collaboration, dynamically managing engagement as the project progresses, or seeking a systematic solution when stakeholder conflicts arise.