The Art of Stakeholder Management: Lessons from My Favourite Rom-Coms

We’re diving into the world of stakeholder management…. and what better way to discuss it than drawing parallels with our favourite rom-coms? Here's 5 tips to help you on your way:

1. My Love Affair with Stakeholder Management

What’s the crux of my role? It's not just spreadsheets and emails; it's people. Just like how in every good rom-com there's the protagonist and their “person of interest,” in the procurement world, stakeholders are our love interests. We may not send them chocolates or flowers, but we definitely need to understand them, charm them, and collaborate with them.

2. The “It’s Not You, It’s Me” – Dealing with Underprepared Stakeholders

Ever seen that rom-com where one person is head over heels, while the other is just... not there yet? Sometimes our stakeholders have a great ideas but they haven’t quite put in all the work needed to gather the insight and data to cultivate the brief. Our job is to guide them, provide resources, and sometimes, gently prod them back onto the path. Because like any good love story, there's potential there – we just have to nurture it.

3. A Day in My “Dating” Life: Stakeholder Edition

• Morning Pep Talks: Boosting morale, just like our stories protagonist prepping for the big date, montage style with an overlay of music courtesy of Bon Jovi.
• Lunch Dates: Casual meetings to discuss progress. It's not wine and dine, it’s the will they/won’t they dance and at least there’s usually coffee!
• Afternoon Check-ins: Ensuring we’re on track and that everyone has what they need. Think of it as sending that “Thinking of you” text, swirly tummies and dreamy visions of the future.
• Evening Wind-Down: Reflecting on what went well and what needs work. Much like our protagonist giving the full date run down to their bff.

4. Why the “Happily Ever After” is Crucial

Here’s the thing: good stakeholder relationships aren't a one-night stand; they’re a long-term commitment. Just as our rom-com couple realises that working through misunderstandings leads to a stronger bond, nurturing stakeholder relationships leads to smoother projects and better outcomes. A happy stakeholder is the best kind of stakeholder.

5. The Grand Gesture – Mutual Benefits

In rom-coms, there's often that grand gesture – a boombox held high outside your window or a dramatic a run through the airport. In our world, it’s the extra mile we go to show stakeholders we value them. This might be training sessions, regular feedback, innovation, opportunities or simply being there when they need us.

The result? A collaboration that’s mutually beneficial. They’re well-prepared and invested, and in return, our projects run smoother, and our results are better. It’s the ultimate love story!

So there you have it! Stakeholder management isn’t just business—it’s a relationship. And with the right care, understanding, and maybe a little rom-com magic, it’s a relationship that can lead to many happy endings 😉🎬🤝