How to Unlock Success with Great Stakeholder Relationships


Hi Reader –

Next week, I’ll be stepping onto the stage at Global Conclave 2024 at Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and I’m really excited to explore the dynamic world of entrepreneurs and startups.. As Harvard Business School puts it, there are a few key traits that stand out in great entrepreneurs:

Curiosity and Curiosity:

  • Entrepreneurs have an insatiable drive to explore new opportunities and challenge the status quo.

Structured Experimentation:

  • Think design thinking and the magic it can unlock.

Adaptability:

  • Flexibility is key in navigating the ever-changing entrepreneurial landscape.

Decisiveness:

  • Making tough calls with confidence is part of the game.

Team Building:

  • Assemble a team that complements your strengths.

Risk Tolerance:

  • Embrace risks as they can lead to remarkable rewards.

This event is not just about listening; it’s about giving participants practical strategies to help grow their business faster. It also offers a chance to connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from around the world, and to join in meaningful discussions.

But here’s a little sneak peek just for you: I’ll be talking about stakeholder management. It’s a crucial piece of the puzzle, and I’m thrilled to share insights on creating a stakeholder map. This tool will help you gain clarity on your stakeholders and build relationships that support your startup, project, and career.

How to Make a Stakeholder Map

In any project, stakeholders abound, and understanding their roles and influences is key to success. Here’s a quick guide to the four stakeholder groups you’ll want to consider:

  1. Internal Team:
    • These are your project teammates or organizational colleagues contributing directly to the project’s goals. Clear communication and collaboration are vital here.
  2. External Collaborators:
    • Vendors, contractors, and partners bringing specialized skills to the table. Building strong relationships ensures seamless integration and successful outcomes.
  3. Decision-Makers and Influencers:
    • Senior management and key stakeholders with decision-making power. Regular communication and engagement are essential to secure their support.
  4. End Users or Beneficiaries:
    • The folks who directly benefit from your project—customers, clients, or the community. Keep their needs front and center.

The key is to remember that stakeholders can be diverse. Consider their perspectives, roles, and potential impacts. Your map should be inclusive and adaptable, ensuring all voices are heard.

Take care, and I look forward to seeing some of you at the conclave!

Cheers, Daria

PS - If you enjoy these insights, don’t forget to follow me on LinkedIn for weekly articles and tips. Let’s stay connected!

Paid Well, Living Hell?

Paid Well, Living Hell? is a no-nonsense newsletter for busy leaders who are tired of overwork and want a smarter way to scale their impact. Each edition delivers practical strategies, leadership insights, and team-building hacks to help you build a high-performing, self-sufficient team—so you can increase productivity, boost profits, and reclaim your time. If you’re ready to stop firefighting and start leading, this is for you.

Read more from Paid Well, Living Hell?

Hi Reader This Tuesday, I had a fantastic conversation with Marianna Inozemtseva, LinkedIn strategist and founder of Linkifyo, about a topic that more of us should be thinking about long before we need it: building your personal brand. I remember myself in my corporate days only dusting off my LinkedIn profile when I was job hunting or plotting my next career leap. But, like for many in a similar situation, by then, the game is already in motion—and you’re starting from behind Marianna and I...

Hi Reader Startups are messy. Add government clients, multiple time zones, and a major leadership transition, and you’ve got a recipe for drama. But that’s exactly the situation I walked into when I was asked to help mediate at a B2G startup selling complex software in emerging markets. When the “Perfect Fit” Isn’t Enough On paper, Jim looked like a dream hire. A young, energetic executive with a proven track record in complex sales. The founder, ready to step back, handed over the reins and...

Hi Reader This week was full. But not just busy—it was productive, too. And let’s face it: those two don’t always go hand in hand. We’ve all had those weeks where activity doesn’t equal progress. But this time things just clicked. Here are a few things I’m excited to share with you: 🎧 Self-Managed Organizations: A Model That Works I had a fascinating conversation with Veiko Valkiainen—leadership coach, podcast host, and one of the most thoughtful voices on self-managed organizations. These...