“This is good, but can you modify this one more time to better align with our goals.”
Have you ever heard something along those lines when collaborating with stakeholders on a project?
Projects often succeed or fail based on stakeholder alignment. Without full buy-in, even the best plans fall short. Here’s how PMOs can make stakeholder buy-in not just a checkbox but a real driver of project success.
Creating stakeholder buy-in goes beyond merely getting approvals; it’s about cultivating commitment from day one and requires a solid foundation.
- Shared Vision: Start by having conversations that answer why this project matters to each stakeholder. Establish shared goals and make them feel like partners, not just recipients.
- Consistent Communication: Developing a consistent basis for communication in the form of emails, phone, or video calls, and having calendar invites set up for meetings beforehand can lead to better relationship building and fosters trust from the start. When stakeholders feel their voice is part of the process, their commitment increases.
- Clear Manageable Expectations: Be upfront about timelines, responsibilities, and known challenges. Transparency minimizes surprises and helps align expectations.
True buy-in is not achieved once; it’s a continual process built over time through intentional actions that keep stakeholders invested in the project’s success.
Contact us if you would like to discuss how Mesa’s PMO team can help you achieve better stakeholder buy-in on your next project.