Navigating Conflicts with Stakeholders Effectively

They Weren’t Even on the Project… But They Still Had Opinions. Ever had a stakeholder who feels involved but technically isn’t? Here’s how I handle “perceived stakeholders” who influence projects without official decision-making power, and how you can too (in 3 steps that take less than 10 minutes a week). A few years ago, I led a cross-functional project that spanned ops, finance, and IT. One department leader wasn’t in the official stakeholder group, but they thought they were. They chimed in during meetings, sent “approval” emails, and gave feedback that confused the team. The tension? Real. The confusion? Costly. The fix? Surprisingly simple. Here’s what I learned (and what I still do today): ✅ Step 1: Classify Every Stakeholder (Yes, even the “unofficial” ones) Use a RACI matrix or stakeholder mapping tool. I always tag these folks as “Interested, not Accountable”. That distinction lets me clarify their role without stepping on egos. ✅ Step 2: Pre-Frame Communication with a Purpose I say: “You’re a valued voice in the org and I wanted to keep you in the loop, but I also want to respect your time and clarify that this is more FYI than action-required.” It signals respect and sets boundaries. ✅ Step 3: Create a “Perception of Involvement” Without Adding Risk Send curated updates biweekly. One slide. One summary. No decisions needed. People want to feel included, not responsible, and this gives them that, without derailing the project. Why this works: 🔹 It reduces scope creep 🔹 It clarifies accountability 🔹 It protects team morale and timeline I’ve repeated this across organizations, cross-departmental projects, and it’s reduced stakeholder conflict by over 70%. If you’re managing change, cross-functional initiatives, or digital transformation, this simple strategy protects your timeline and your relationships. Because let’s be honest—every stakeholder is a potential roadblock or a future ally. How you handle them today determines which one they’ll be tomorrow. Want more frameworks for stakeholder alignment, project clarity, and leading with influence? 👉 Subscribe or follow for weekly leadership tips that cut through the noise and help you lead smarter in real time. #ProjectManagement #StakeholderEngagement #LeadershipDevelopment

WHEN TEMPERS FLARE, YOU'RE LOCKED IN A STALEMATE, OR A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR DEAL IS ON THE LINE, EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO TURNING IT AROUND. The right communication framework fosters understanding, strengthens relationships, and drives powerful results within your team. Both personally and professionally, effective communication is key to successful teamwork, conflict resolution, and collaboration. From construction to finance, from fashion to family offices, my high performance clients master the skills to navigate the toughest conversations and transform them into their biggest breakthroughs. And here’s how you can do it too: 1. FRAME THE POSITIVE INTENTION: Start with shared goals. Establish a shared purpose to align your conversation positively and maintain the focus on optimal outcomes. ➡️”We both want [a positive, uplifting relationship].” “This is about us being [happier, more productive].” A positive start encourages cooperation and a safe space for communication. 2. DESCRIBE THE OBSERVABLE: Present facts without emotional interpretation. Focus on specific events or behaviors rather than feelings. ➡️ “When [specific event] happened, I saw [specific observation].” Stick to observable facts and avoid personal interpretations to keep the conversation neutral. 3. SHARE THE FEELING: Express your emotions without blame. Own your feelings without blaming others, and invite the other person to share theirs. ➡️“We both feel [emotion].” “I feel [emotion] about [situation].” Take ownership of your feelings. Express them without pointing fingers and encourage others to do the same. 4. REQUEST THEIR PERSPECTIVE: Invite input and collaboration. Ask for the other person’s perspective to gain insight into their viewpoint. ➡️“How did you see that?” “What did you observe?” Listen actively and be open to hearing the other person’s thoughts, fostering mutual understanding. 5. MAKE THE ASK WITH BENEFIT EXTENSIONS Propose mutually beneficial solutions: Offer choices that meet both parties' needs. ➡️ “If [action] occurs, we would feel [emotion] and [emotion].” “Here are two options that work for me…” Present two acceptable options to empower the other person to contribute to the solution. 6. WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD A CONSENSUS Collaborate on finding the best solution: Work together to determine the best course of action and express appreciation when a decision is made. ➡️ “I appreciate the thought you’ve put into this. I’m glad we agreed on [decision].” By applying my effective communication framework, you foster open, respectful communication that builds trust, enhances collaboration, and contributes to team success. And the great news is that you can use this both personally and professionally! I’m curious… ~When was a time that you needed this framework in your life? #future #communication #success

Project managers - make difficult stakeholders your greatest allies We've all encountered stakeholders we dread working with. You know the ones, they: → Challenge every decision → Question every timeline → Always escalate things At first, I saw them as obstacles. But over time, I've realized - Those difficult stakeholders have the potential to become your strongest allies. Here's how you make the shift: ☝ Start with empathy Flip the way you see them - from combative to passionate. Their pushback often comes because they're invested. Use that to understand and hear them, then leverage to collaborate. ✌ Be transparent and proactive Anticipate their questions. Provide updates/feedback before they ask. Transparency builds trust. 🤟 Highlight shared wins Make it a point to acknowledge their contributions. Show how their input led to better outcomes. Stakeholders that see THEIR impact will engage positively. Difficult stakeholders are inevitable on a project. Flip the narrative and make them your biggest supporters. They'll start backing you in meetings. Support you through tough decisions. And help you smooth out conflicts with other stakeholders. Your greatest allies often start as your toughest critics. Lean into it + build a trusted network = elevated PM + career 🤙