1. Identify Project Participants
Begin by brainstorming all individuals who could be affected by or have an impact on your project. This should include not only your internal team members but also external partners or intermediaries who control access to vital information and resources. Recognizing the full scope of participants ensures a comprehensive understanding of the project landscape.
2. Assess the Level of Influence and Interest of Each Participant
Once you’ve identified the participants, evaluate their influence and interest levels on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 represents the highest degree and 1 the lowest. Assessing these two components will help you understand the contribution (Impact) of each participant, as well as how important your project is to them (Interest). This dual assessment will lay the groundwork for the next steps.
3. Plot Participants on a Power Matrix
Next, transfer your findings onto a power matrix. Quadrant 1 should contain your key players—those with both high influence and high interest. Quadrant 2 will include participants with high influence but low interest; they have the power to affect your project but may not be engaged with the daily operations. Quadrant 3, which has low influence but high interest, consists of stakeholders who should be kept informed. Lastly, participants in Quadrant 4 include those with low influence and low interest.
4. Develop Targeted Strategies
With your participants plotted, create tailored strategies for engaging each group. For those in Quadrant 1, consider scheduling regular meetings to keep them involved and informed. For Quadrant 2, think about what actions could be done for them, while for Quadrant 3, explore possibilities for encouraging more participation in the project. Allocate some of your spare time to address the needs of Quadrant 4, but prioritize your efforts on the more influential and interested groups.
5. Regularly Update as New Information Emerges and the Project Develops
Keep in mind that structures change and new participants may emerge. Priorities can shift as well. By treating your power map as process rather than an exercise, you will be better equipped to navigate organizational politics and dynamics as trends evolve. Regular updates will help you stay aligned with the changing landscape of your project.
By following these five steps, you can effectively create a power map that will guide your engagement strategies and enhance the likelihood of your project’s success.
Power map with Quadrants