Map project stakeholders template

Keep humans at heart of a project by mapping people who have a stake in its success

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Map project stakeholders

Map project stakeholders template FAQs

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Whether you’re kicking off a new project or looking to map an existing workflow, keep humans at the heart of your work with this template.

Use this template to create a map of the many people who have a stake in the work you’re doing, both inside and outside of your organization, and detail their connection to the work.

The map project stakeholders template helps you:

Gain a better understanding of who your stakeholders are, and what their levels of involvement are, both inside and outside your organization
Identify areas of overlap as well as any gaps that may negatively affect your project
Clearly define roles and delineate responsibilities accounting for overlaps and areas of expertise

How to use the project stakeholder mapping template

To get the most value from the stakeholder map template, follow the below steps.

Step 1: Clearly define and describe the project or topic

Before getting started it’s vital to clearly frame the project or topic so that you can be confident your stakeholders will map correctly according to their roles and influence.

Step 2: Bring together a diverse group of collaborators

Build a diverse team to conduct your brainstorming with deep knowledge of the project, so that they will be able to identify all relevant stakeholders as well as assign each one the appropriate level of influence over your topic.

Step 3: Brainstorm with your team

Have your team brainstorm together inside the template using sticky notes to create an exhaustive list of stakeholders related to your project. This can be done in real time or asynchronously depending on the needs and work environment of your team.

Step 4: Group stakeholders by role and influence

The primary (most significant) level of influence is at the center, with secondary and tertiary levels radiating outward. Have your team add any external stakeholders (like clients) above the center line, and internal stakeholders below the center line.

Tips for running a map project stakeholders template exercise

To run a successful stakeholder mapping exercise, you should:

Ensure that your team has a diverse array of experience and knowledge about the project, and clearly frame the topic
Color code your sticky notes based on role, and add tags to help find and filter your feedback
Use asynchronous collaboration to make sure that everyone on your team has a chance to add their insights

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Map project stakeholders template FAQs

What is a stakeholder map?

A stakeholder map is a visual representation of the various individuals, groups, or organizations that are affected by or have an interest in a particular project or initiative. It helps to identify key stakeholders and their relationships with each other and is often used in the early stages of a project to inform stakeholder engagement and decision-making.

How do you structure a stakeholder map?

To structure a stakeholder map, start by identifying all of the relevant stakeholders. This may include individuals, organizations, or groups who have a direct or indirect interest in your project. Once you have a comprehensive list of stakeholders, you can begin to categorize them based on their level of influence and interest in your project. In this Mural template, the map is divided into three spheres — an inner circle for primary stakeholders, a ring for secondary stakeholders, and space for tertiary stakeholders, all separated by a horizontal dividing line that delineates internal vs. external roles.

What are some best practices for structuring a stakeholder map?

When structuring a stakeholder map, it's important to keep in mind the unique context and needs of your project. Here are some general best practices to follow:

Involve stakeholders in the mapping process: It can be helpful to work with key stakeholders to identify all relevant stakeholders and ensure their accurate categorization.
Be comprehensive: Make sure to identify all stakeholders who may be impacted by your project, even if they are not directly involved in it.
Consider both internal and external stakeholders: Depending on the project, it may be necessary to include both internal stakeholders (e.g. employees, executives) and external stakeholders (e.g. customers, partners).
Continuously update the map: Stakeholder maps should be dynamic documents that are updated as the project progresses and new stakeholders are identified.

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