Welcome to the E6S-Methods podcast with Jacob and Aaron. Your source for expert advice on Lean, Six Sigma, and performance improvement methods. In this episode number 26: Stakeholder Management Part 3 we give specific recommendations regarding the 8 “Lucid” Stakeholder types. “Beware the Time Bomb!”

Beware the Time Bomb!

Don't ignore the stakeholder - create a management plan and stick to it.

I Specific Recommended Actions for the Lucid Stakeholder “Types”

a. Trip Wire: Insignificant Passive Blocker Low Power, Low Interest, Negative Attitude

i. No significant danger or benefit from this person

ii. Most immediate threat may come from if this person takes a personal interest in the project and becomes an irritant

iii. Keep watch for a change in influence power.

b. Time Bomb: Influential Passive Blocker, High Power, Low Interest, Negative Attitude

i. Significant threat. Can easily convert into a Saboteur.

ii. Concentrate on this person to build support for the project, or at least keep them disengaged and uninterested.

c. Acquaintance: Insignificant Passive Backer, Low Power, Low Interest, Positive Attitude

i. No significant threat.

ii. May be a good filter to evaluate other stakeholders, a communication conduit or a 3rd party to bounce ideas off of.

d. Sleeping Giant: Influential Passive Backer, High Power, Low Interest, Positive Attitude

i. Important asset

ii. Need to wake the Sleeping Giant and get them engaged to be a savior, while maintaining their support

e. Irritant: Insignificant Active Blocker, Low Power, High Interest, Negative Attitude

i. Minor threat

ii. Attempt to diffuse any gains in power and reduce their need to engage, by getting to the heart of their issues.

f. Saboteur/Terrorist: Influential Active Blocker, High Power, High Interest, Negative Attitude

i. Major Threat. Must diffuse

ii. May be mistaken for Irritant or Time Bomb. Be careful not to mis classify.

iii. Stack up enough Saviors to help mitigate overall.

iv. May attempt to diffuse power, but will be tricky politics

v. If you cannot garner more support from this person, attempt to reduce their active engagements against your project.

g. Friend: Insignificant Active Backer, Low Power, High Interest, Positive Attitude

i. Minor asset with limited influence

ii. Can be a good source of information on other stakeholders

iii. May be along for the ride, as a “glory hog” to gain in popularity. Could be a win-win for your advantage as well.

iv. Keep on your side.

h. Savior: Influential Active Backer, High Power, High Interest, Positive Attitude

i. Major Asset.

ii. Give them everything they need to keep them happy.

iii. Use them to gain information and advice on other stakeholders.

iv. Stock up on as many of these as possible, in case you lose one.

Thanks for listening to episode 26 of the E6S-Methods Podcast. Stay tuned for episode number 27 where we go over the important considerations when putting together an effective cross-functional team. Subscribe to past and future episodes on iTunes or stream us live on-demand with Stitcher Radio. Follow us on twitter @e6sindustries. Find us on Facebook and LinkedIn to join a discussion. Outlines and graphics for all shows are posted on our website, www.E6S-Methods.com. “Journey Through Success”