Manage Stakeholders Expectation:
Know What They Want Before You Fail
Understanding Stakeholders and Their Needs
When we start a project in a village or city, many people get involved. These people are called stakeholders. Each one has something they want or expect. Knowing what they want helps us plan better and avoid problems. So Manage Stakeholders Expectation and know what they want before you fail.
Who Are the Stakeholders?
Let us look at three main types:
1. Primary Stakeholders
- These are the people who get directly affected.
- Example: In a sanitation project, the families using the toilets.
- They may want clean, safe, and easy-to-use toilets.
2. Secondary Stakeholders
- These help or support the project.
- Example: Local government staff or NGO workers.
- They may want proper reports and updates.
3. Other Stakeholders
- These are people who are not involved daily but still care.
- Example: Funders, CSR teams, school teachers.
- They may want to see good results and happy community members.
Why Should We Care About and Manage Stakeholders Expectation?
If we ignore people’s needs, they may not support us. They may even stop the project. But if we listen, people feel respected. They help us more and trust us.
Let’s look at a real-like case:
In one urban slum project, the NGO wanted to build a toilet block. But shopkeepers feared they would lose space. Parents wanted safety for their children. The NGO listened to all groups. They adjusted the plan. As a result, the project went smoothly.
Easy Ways to Manage Stakeholders Expectation (Ask and Listen)
Here are simple ways to know what people want:
1. Talk to People in Small Groups
- Sit with women, youth, elders, and others.
- Let them speak freely.
- Listen without interrupting.
2. Use Simple Tools Like Charts or Cards
- Ask people to point or mark what they like.
- Keep things easy to understand.
3. Do a Quick Survey
- Ask 5–6 questions.
- You can write them or ask them aloud.
- Note down the answers clearly.
4. Walk in the Area
- Talk while walking.
- People may speak more openly.
5. Take Help from Local Volunteers
- People may trust known faces more.
- Volunteers can explain things in local words.
Manage Stakeholders Expectation
It is not easy to make everyone happy. But we can find a middle way. We must be honest and clear. Tell people what can be done and what cannot. Let us look at a helpful table:
| If stakeholder wants… | Then we can… | Project Phase | Thing to Remember |
|---|---|---|---|
| More training for youth | Plan special skill workshops | Planning | Involve SHG and youth groups |
| Toilets near homes | Check space with engineer | Design | Talk to families for better ideas |
| Faster fund release | Share progress with donor | Implementation | Give regular updates |
| School students’ water filter | Partner with school head | Operation | Show benefits for children |
| Extra work for local masons | Adjust work plan and give fair wage | Construction | Keep payments clear and fair |
Example: Different Views in One Project
In a school wall painting project in a rural area, Rekha (a teacher) wanted art that shows good manners. But the farmers near the school wanted health messages instead. The project officer spoke to both. They agreed to mix both ideas. One wall showed hygiene. Another showed respect and good behaviour. All were happy.
Conclusion
We do not have to please everyone. But we must listen and try to balance needs. A good project listens, adjusts, and explains. That way, everyone feels involved.
Ready to Learn More?
Join our e-learning course “Community Engagement: Basic Skills Course” and become a smart Project Officer. Learn how to handle projects, people, and progress easily. You can lead real changes!
Join now! Start learning today. Be the reason for good change.
Check here to know more about AROMANNA NATURALS PVT. LTD.