Stakeholder management in decision-making

When making trade-off decisions, identify which stakeholders are most impacted and involve them appropriately. Not every stakeholder needs the same level of involvement. Some require close management while others simply need to be kept informed. Using prioritization frameworks like a power/interest matrix can help determine the right approach for each stakeholder. Communication is critical. Senior-level stakeholders typically need high-level summaries focusing on strategic outcomes, while technical teams require more detailed context. Explaining the "why" behind decisions helps build trust and alignment, even when stakeholders don't get their preferred outcome. Remember that stakeholder management isn't about making everyone happy, but about making informed decisions with appropriate input and ensuring those affected understand the rationale.^[1]