Effective project outcomes are rarely achieved in a vacuum; they depend on the ability to navigate a complex web of relationships. This "Building Bridges: Stakeholder Communication and Management Training Course" is your essential guide to mastering the art of stakeholder engagement. You will gain a deep understanding of how to identify key individuals and groups, analyze their interests and influence, and develop proactive communication strategies that build consensus and drive project momentum. This training is designed for professionals who recognize that strong relationships are as critical to success as technical proficiency.

Over the course of 10 days, this program will equip you with a practical toolkit to manage stakeholder expectations and foster positive collaboration, transforming potential roadblocks into strong alliances. We will move beyond theory to focus on real-world scenarios, covering techniques for active listening, conflict resolution, and tailored messaging that resonates with different audiences. By the end of this course, you will be proficient in creating and executing a robust stakeholder management plan, enabling you to lead projects with greater confidence, predictability, and success.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Project Managers
• Program Managers
• Business Analysts
• Team Leaders
• Portfolio Managers
• IT and Business Professionals
• Public Relations Specialists
• Marketing and Communications Managers
• Community and Government Relations Officers
• Individuals responsible for change initiatives

Objectives:

• Understand the role of stakeholders in project success
• Identify and categorize all relevant stakeholders
• Conduct a thorough stakeholder analysis
• Develop a comprehensive communication plan
• Master effective communication techniques
• Learn how to manage stakeholder expectations
• Acquire skills for conflict resolution
• Build and maintain positive stakeholder relationships
• Understand the importance of continuous engagement
• Apply stakeholder management principles to real-world scenarios

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Foundation of Stakeholder Management

• What is a stakeholder?
• The importance of stakeholder engagement
• Differentiating between internal and external stakeholders
• The project life cycle and stakeholder involvement
• The link between stakeholder management and project success

Module 2: Identifying Your Stakeholders

• Techniques for brainstorming stakeholders
• The role of a stakeholder register
• Using team input to identify stakeholders
• Identifying indirect and secondary stakeholders
• The importance of continuous identification

Module 3: Stakeholder Analysis

• The importance of understanding stakeholder needs
• Using the Power/Interest grid
• Analyzing stakeholder influence and impact
• Mapping stakeholders to engagement strategies
• Prioritizing your focus on key stakeholders

Module 4: Creating a Communication Plan

• The importance of proactive communication
• Defining the purpose and goals of your communication
• Identifying the right message for the right audience
• Selecting appropriate communication channels
• Setting a schedule for communication activities

Module 5: Communication Skills for Leaders

• The art of active listening
• How to provide clear and concise updates
• The importance of non-verbal cues
• Adapting your communication style
• Best practices for effective meetings

Module 6: Managing Expectations

• The importance of setting realistic expectations
• Communicating project constraints effectively
• Handling requests for scope changes
• The role of clear and consistent messaging
• Techniques for expectation alignment

Module 7: The Art of Negotiation

• Understanding different negotiation styles
• Preparing for a negotiation
• Finding common ground
• How to handle difficult discussions
• The importance of a win-win mindset

Module 8: Conflict Resolution

• Identifying the sources of conflict
• The different stages of conflict
• Techniques for de-escalating a situation
• Mediating disagreements between stakeholders
• The importance of maintaining neutrality

Module 9: Building Trust and Rapport

• The key components of trust
• The importance of transparency and honesty
• Fostering a collaborative environment
• Delivering on your promises
• The role of emotional intelligence

Module 10: Tailoring Your Approach

• Communicating with executives and senior leadership
• Engaging with team members and colleagues
• Interacting with external clients and vendors
• Strategies for different cultural contexts
• The importance of personalized communication

Module 11: Virtual Stakeholder Engagement

• The challenges of remote communication
• Choosing the right virtual tools
• Best practices for online meetings
• Keeping remote stakeholders engaged
• The importance of a communication protocol

Module 12: Stakeholder Management in Agile

• The role of stakeholders in a sprint
• The importance of sprint reviews
• Engaging with stakeholders in an iterative process
• Managing changing requirements and priorities
• The benefits of continuous feedback

Module 13: Reporting and Metrics

• What information do stakeholders need?
• Creating effective status reports
• Using key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Presenting data visually
• The importance of a single source of truth

Module 14: Managing Difficult Stakeholders

• Identifying the different types of difficult stakeholders
• Understanding the root cause of their behavior
• Techniques for handling negative feedback
• The importance of documentation
• Seeking support when needed

Module 15: Stakeholder and Relationship Mapping

• The importance of a detailed stakeholder map
• The role of a RACI matrix
• Techniques for visualizing relationships
• Analyzing stakeholder networks
• The benefits of a living, evolving map

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.