Learning Corner: Influence Without Authority: The Stakeholder Map
Estimated Time to Complete: 30 minutes
Objective:
To identify the people who can help or block your work and plan how to build support with each of them.
Materials Needed:
A current project or idea
A page with a simple grid: influence on one side, support on the other
Activity Steps:
1. List the people (8 minutes)
Write down everyone who can affect your project: decision makers, peers, people whose work will change.
2. Place them (8 minutes)
Put each person on the grid based on how much influence they have and how much they support the work right now.
3. Learn what they care about (8 minutes)
For the high-influence people, write what matters most to them. How does your project help them?
4. Plan your next conversation (6 minutes)
Pick one person to meet with this week. Plan to ask about their goals before sharing yours.
Key Takeaways:
Influence starts with understanding what others care about.
Mapping people helps you spend time where it counts.
Asking about their goals first builds stronger allies.
Reflection Prompt:
Who is one person whose support would make your project much easier? When did you last talk with them?
Want help bringing this to your team? Book a free 30-minute conversation with Tony.
