We’ve all seen it happen., you’re halfway through a project and suddenly someone goes, “Wait… did anyone loop in Marketing?” Projects don’t fail because of bad ideas. They fail because people weren’t on the same page. That’s why we have the Stakeholder Matrix!
So… What Is a Stakeholder Matrix?
Think of it like your project’s relationship map. It’s a tool that helps you figure out:
- Who cares about your project?
- How much power they have?
- How interested they are?
- And what you should actually do about it.
We use it to avoid surprises like “Oh wait, the Head of Compliance needed to approve this?” two days before launch.
The Matrix in Action
A basic Stakeholder Matrix is a 2×2 grid that maps stakeholders based on:
- Power: How much influence they have over your project.
- Interest: How much they care about what you’re doing.
| Matrix | High Power | Low Power |
|---|---|---|
| High Interest | Manage Closely | Keep Informed |
| Low Interest | Keep Satisfied | Monitor (Minimal Effort) |
How do you use it?
- Manage Closely (High Power, High Interest)
These folks are your ride or die. Keep them updated, involved, and happy. If they’re not in the loop, your project is in deep trouble. - Keep Satisfied (High Power, Low Interest)
They’ve got the power, but they’re not into the daily details. Give them high-level updates. - Keep Informed (Low Power, High Interest)
These are your “we want to know everything people”. They want updates, even if they’re not decision-makers. Smart thing to do is keep them in the know you might end up needed them. - Monitor (Low Power, Low Interest)
No need to give them a lot of attention. Just keep an eye out in case they suddenly become more involved.
Why It Works
Because you stop guessing who to talk to, when, and about what. You get strategic instead of reactive. No more “who signed off on this?!” questions.
Also, it helps you…
- Prioritize your time and communication
- Reduce resistance ( early buy-in)
- Avoid political landmines
How to Build One
- List all your stakeholders – this means anyone who’s impacted by or can impact the project.
- Assess their power and interest – discuss this with your team to be sure.
- Plot them on the matrix – write it down.
- Plan your engagement approach – how often will you talk to each person, and what do they care about?
People can move!
Just because someone’s low interest now doesn’t mean they’ll stay there. There can always be a change in scope, deadlines, or politics, that will shift someone’s position on the matrix.
Final Thoughts
The Stakeholder Matrix isn’t about dumping every detail on everyone. It’s about being smart with your time, energy, and focus. It keeps your project moving forward and helps you manage the humans keeping the right people informed, involved, or just not annoyed.
Stay curious,
Jessica
The BA Chronicles 
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