Influencing Stakeholders: Start at the Bottom

TL;DR

Engaging with stakeholders at the bottom of an organization can be more effective than targeting senior stakeholders at the top.

Transcript

there's a paradoxical truth about stakeholder engagement you know where the power lies right at the top so you target your stakeholder engagement there with the big hitters but in this video I'm going to argue for a different strategy to start at the bottom the problem with the big hitters is that these are the people with the least time for you an... Read More

Key Insights

• ⌛ Targeting senior stakeholders for influence is challenging due to their limited time and established opinions.
• 🏛️ Building relationships with junior stakeholders grants access to influential advisors who can amplify influence.
• 🤗 Junior stakeholders are more open and willing to share their thoughts and opinions, making them valuable sources of insights.
• 🌍 The world is becoming less hierarchical, and change needs to be driven throughout the organization.
• 💍 Engaging with stakeholders at various levels creates a substantial upwelling of desire for change.
• 😮 The capability to rise exists in individuals at all levels, making engagement with people at the bottom crucial.
• 🏛️ Building networks with stakeholders at all levels enhances one's ability to influence and drive change.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is it challenging to influence senior stakeholders at the top of an organization?

Senior stakeholders often have limited time and are confident in their own opinions, making it difficult to sway their decisions. Additionally, as someone at the bottom of the organization, it is challenging to gain their attention and influence.

Q: How can engaging with junior stakeholders benefit one's career progression?

Building relationships with junior stakeholders allows for future influence as they rise through their careers. By treating them well and gaining their trust early on, one can have a ready audience of senior stakeholders when reaching the peak of their career.

Q: What advantage do junior stakeholders have over senior stakeholders in terms of sharing thoughts and opinions?

Junior stakeholders have fewer secrets and are more open about their thoughts and opinions. They have not yet mastered the art of guarding their thoughts, making them a valuable source of honest insights.

Q: Why is it important to engage with stakeholders at all levels of the organization?

The world is becoming less hierarchical, and change needs to be driven throughout the organization. By engaging at all levels, there is a greater chance of building a desire for change and creating a substantial impact.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Targeting senior stakeholders at the top of an organization is difficult, especially for those at the beginning of their careers.

• Building relationships with junior stakeholders allows access to influential advisors and increases the chances of influencing senior stakeholders.

• Engaging with stakeholders at all levels of the organization is important for gaining insights, building networks, and driving change.