The APM take on the Stakeholder

Posted on | May 26, 2009 | Author: | GaryH | No Comments

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Last Thursday saw the APM’s latest event for the North West branch take place at the University of Chester. The focus for the seminar was Communicating with Stakeholders and was hosted by Jennifer Stapleton of FBCS. Jennifer is perhaps most recognisable for her work on Dynamic Systems Development Method (DSDM). Approximately 60 delegates arrived on the night to listen to Jennifer’s engaging and lively presentation.

The seminar was an hour long discussion looking at identifying stakeholders in the correct manner, and formulating methods of communication that would be robust enough to withstand the elements of negativity that are often associated with major change initiatives. Although the seminar was clearly aimed at the Programme and Project Management fraternity, coming from a background in Coordination it was clear that the themes and ideas discussed could easily apply to all project workers. After all, effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful project. Diverse business group meeting

Although there were no groundbreaking ideas unveiled, the aim of the presentation was to formulate and perhaps standardize an area of project management that is all too often open to interpretation. The main body of the seminar included a discussion on Napoleon’s 3^rd’s, i.e. dividing all your stakeholders in to 3 core categories, whether they be supportive, on the fence or dead against the change. Formulating a written strategy to communicate with these independent groups came up next. Jennifer interestingly advised keeping any such strategy well away from the office (hard not to agree with that!). A discussion about formulating an effective communications plan concluded the seminar before a lively debate ensued.

An interesting statistic to take away from the event – 88% of staff are more likely to believe information that’s passed to them by their immediate boss as opposed to an independent source (worth taking note of for that next change initiative).

It’s good to see the APM putting on these events on a regular basis. Welsh members should note that the idea is being pitched around at the moment to organise a separate Welsh branch, which should increase the possibility of more events taking place in greater variety of locations. I’m sure the APM would welcome any input regarding this so anyone west of the border – get in touch!