Stakeholder management is a key tool and process for combining a successful career with great leadership. It’s about understanding the people who influence your success and building the right relationships with them.

Do you think seriously about your stakeholders—the people who can make or break your career?

The board, your boss, your customers, your team.

List them all, then think about these four key questions:

1. What do you want from them?
2. What do they want from you?
3. How do you manage the relationships?
4. What do they need to think about you if you are to be successful?

To manage stakeholders effectively, follow this structured process:

1. Identify your stakeholders: Recognise everyone who has influence over your success, both internally and externally.
2. Analyse their needs and interests: Understand what each stakeholder values and expects from you.
3. Map their influence and priority: Determine which stakeholders have the most influence and prioritise them accordingly.
4. Build and maintain relationships: Engage regularly to keep them informed and aligned with your goals.
5. Monitor and adjust: Continuously assess how relationships evolve and adapt your approach as needed.

For example:

• A project manager secures board approval by aligning their project’s goals with business priorities.
• A sales director builds trust with customers by consistently delivering on promises.
• A team leader fosters loyalty by recognising and supporting their team’s ambitions.

Great leadership isn’t just about what you do—it’s about how others perceive and support you.

How do you approach stakeholder management, what are your methods?