Stakeholder Mapping

What participants gain

• Identify key stakeholders in a project or initiative.
• Analyze stakeholder interests and influence.
• Map stakeholder relationships.
• Develop strategies for managing stakeholder engagement.

Materials needed

• A3 paper
• Colored markers
• Post-it notes
• Whiteboard
• Stakeholder map template

How to run Stakeholder Mapping, step by step

1. Introduce the concept of stakeholder mapping.
2. Identify the key stakeholders involved in the project.
3. Assess each stakeholder's level of interest and influence.
4. Plot stakeholders on a power/interest grid.
5. Analyze the relationships between stakeholders.
6. Develop strategies for engaging with each stakeholder group.
7. Document insights and action items.

Facilitator tips

• Encourage participants to think broadly about who is affected.
• Use a visual template to map stakeholders and their relationships.
• Prioritize stakeholders based on their power and interest.

Common challenges

• Participants overlook key stakeholders - Provide prompts to broaden their thinking.
• Participants struggle to assess stakeholder influence - Facilitate a discussion to clarify power dynamics.
• Participants don't consider indirect stakeholders - Ask who influences the direct stakeholders.

Running it virtually

Use a virtual whiteboard tool like Miro or Mural. Create a digital stakeholder map template and have participants add virtual sticky notes.

Expected results

Participants will create a clear visual representation of the project's stakeholder landscape. They will identify potential allies and opponents, and develop strategies for managing stakeholder relationships.

Build a session around Stakeholder Mapping

METODIC drops Stakeholder Mapping into a complete session plan with timing, materials, worksheets, and a facilitator guide — for any workshop, meeting, or team session.

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