Project managers often fear dealing with difficult stakeholders. But there are many approaches we can take. In this video, I discuss ideas with Andy Kaufman, host of the People and Projects podcast.

Andy Kaufman works with organizations around the world to help them improve their leadership and performance capabilities. This includes working with leaders at the United Nations and other global clients to teach and coach on topics related to project management and leadership.

Andy started his career as a software developer and was promoted to management for all the wrong reasons! He is the author of three books and host of the acclaimed People and Projects podcast, which provides listeners worldwide with free PDUs through interviews and insights.

The title of his podcast says it all about his approach: the equal importance of people and projects.

That's why I wanted to talk to him about dealing with difficult stakeholders.

00:00 – Introducing Andy Kaufman
00:35 – The People and Projects Podcast
01:13 – Topic: Dealing with difficult stakeholders
01:33 – What do we mean by “stakeholders”? And what are the pitfalls?
02:12 – The PMI definition of a stakeholder
02:45 – Stakeholders: The ripple effect
03:10 – Which stakeholders are important?
03:59 – Ripple Effect Metaphor Part 2
04:20 – Mike's definition of a stakeholder
04:40 – Further pitfalls in stakeholder involvement
05:06 – The Power-Interest Matrix
05:48 – Stay informed vs. stay satisfied
08:17 – The importance of listening to your stakeholders
08:55 – Meeting special needs
10:10 – Designing reports according to the requirements of our stakeholders
11:13 – Project reports should inspire action
12:37 – Difficult stakeholders
12:48 – What do you think of when you think of “difficult stakeholders”?
13:10 – Two reasons why people get upset
14:13 – Labeling “difficult people”
18:22 – Important message for project managers
19:28 – People want to be listened to
19:40 – People become difficult when …
20:08 – A good listening experience
21:05 – “I need your help”
21:50 – It's hard to argue with…
22:01 – The “Tip for the Left Eye”
22:47 – The power of listening
23:09 – Rapaport’s Rule No. 1
23:37 – The power of silence
25:56 – Keep your friends close…
26:55 – Where to sit when you encounter a difficult stakeholder
– Power in the meeting room: Psychology of sitting positions https://youtu.be/Bh8MnOJ6RQw
– Sitting psychology in individual conversations https://youtu.be/bh_R7z8uquA
27:42 – Construction contract
28:12 – The power of “we”
29:25 – Stakeholders and Lemmings
30:04 – The need for control
30:57 – Escalation
32:37 – let's escalate together
34:40 – Andy's Bonus Tip No. 1: The Cardinal Law of Persuasion
36:06 – Andy’s Bonus Tip No. 2: The Law of Gratitude
36:30 – Andy’s Bonus Tip #3: Gratitude is not expressed…
37:11 – How to end a dialogue
37:41 – The People and Projects Podcast
38:04 – New: Lead 52
38:19 – Connect with Andy and Mike
38:48 – End

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I apologize … The power of listening
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Contact Andy Kaufman
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buildleaders/
Website: https://i-leadonline.com
People and Projects Podcast: https://PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com
Andy's 5-minute weekly pass to leadership intelligence https://GetLead52.com

Carefully curated video recommendations for you:
– Involving stakeholders in projects: Interview with Elizabeth Harrin
https://youtu.be/p40qcyGxFPo
– 5 tips for involving stakeholders
https://youtu.be/APc9S_8v7YY
– Surprise your stakeholders … with a stakeholder listening plan
https://youtu.be/NldOQhTr0KE
– Overload, overexertion and a screaming customer
https://youtu.be/j0GZPyPD5nc
– Challenging communication tips for better project communication
https://youtu.be/6hvj3XmHsxE
– How to create a great project communication plan
https://youtu.be/HULx9Gni9Og
– Influencing stakeholders: Start at the bottom
https://youtu.be/LniIzjZuKdo
– Project communication: Stop telegrams – achieve better project results
https://youtu.be/irrmJ0pL6Sw
– How to understand the causes of conflict
https://youtu.be/he4_qHtBDqM

I asked project managers what they need for their work as project managers. I summarized their answers in a kit list.
https://kit.co/MikeClayton/what-a-project-manager-needs
Note: The links are affiliate links.

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#Project #ProjectManagement #DifficultStakeholders

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