How do you identify key people and groups for your project?

1 Stakeholder mapping

Stakeholder mapping is a process of identifying and categorizing the people and groups who have an interest or influence on your project. You can use various criteria to map your stakeholders, such as their level of involvement, their impact on the project, their attitude towards the project, or their communication preferences. Stakeholder mapping helps you to prioritize your communication and engagement strategies, as well as to manage potential risks and conflicts.

2 Influence-interest matrix

Influence-interest matrix is a tool that helps you to visualize and analyze the relationship between the stakeholders' influence and interest in your project. You can plot your stakeholders on a four-quadrant matrix based on their level of influence (high or low) and their level of interest (high or low). This will help you to identify the key stakeholders who have high influence and high interest, and who need to be closely managed and consulted. It will also help you to identify the stakeholders who have low influence and low interest, and who need to be informed and monitored.

3 RACI matrix

RACI matrix is a tool that helps you to define and assign the roles and responsibilities of the people and groups involved in your project. RACI stands for Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. You can create a table that lists the project tasks or deliverables on one axis, and the project roles or names on the other axis. Then, you can assign each role or name with one of the four RACI categories, depending on their level of involvement and authority. RACI matrix helps you to clarify the expectations and accountability of each person and group, as well as to avoid duplication or confusion.

4 Stakeholder analysis

Stakeholder analysis is a process of gathering and evaluating information about the key people and groups for your project. You can use various methods to collect and analyze data, such as interviews, surveys, focus groups, observation, or document review. Stakeholder analysis helps you to understand the needs, expectations, interests, and power of your stakeholders, as well as their potential issues or concerns. It also helps you to identify the opportunities and challenges for your project, as well as to develop appropriate strategies and actions.