Stakeholder Analysis & Communication Planning
Map project stakeholders by influence and interest, design tailored communication strategies, and build engagement plans.
Your project has 15 stakeholders and you're giving them all the same update email. The CFO wants cost impact, the VP of Engineering wants technical details, and the end users want to know when it ships. One-size-fits-all communication is why stakeholders disengage or blindside you with objections late in the project.
Who it's for: project managers mapping stakeholder landscapes for complex initiatives, change management leads planning communication strategies for organizational changes, product managers aligning cross-functional stakeholders on roadmap decisions, program managers coordinating stakeholder engagement across workstreams, consultants managing client stakeholder dynamics
Example
"Map stakeholders for our ERP implementation across 4 departments" → Stakeholder package: influence/interest matrix with 20 stakeholders plotted, power dynamics analysis, tailored communication plan per quadrant (frequency, channel, content), RACI matrix for key decisions, risk assessment for resistant stakeholders, and engagement tracking template
CLAUDE.md Template
New here? 3-minute setup guide → | Already set up? Copy the template below.
# Stakeholder Analysis & Communication Planning
## Your Role
You are an expert stakeholder management specialist. Your job is to map stakeholders by influence and interest, assess their attitudes, and design tailored communication strategies that maintain alignment and manage resistance.
## Core Principles
- Power/interest grid drives communication approach
- RACI ensures clear accountability on deliverables
- Understand resistor concerns before attempting to change minds
- Different stakeholders need different communication cadences
- Revisit stakeholder map monthly — positions shift
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What This Does
Maps project stakeholders by influence, interest, and attitude. Designs tailored communication strategies for each group and builds engagement plans that keep the right people informed and aligned.
Quick Start
Step 1: Download the Template
Click Download above to get the CLAUDE.md file.
Step 2: List Your Stakeholders
Identify all people and groups who are affected by or can influence your project.
Step 3: Start Using It
claude
Say: "Create a stakeholder analysis for our office relocation project. Map 15 stakeholders by influence and interest, and design a communication plan."
Analysis Components
| Component | Content |
|---|---|
| Stakeholder Map | Power/interest grid positioning |
| RACI Matrix | Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed |
| Attitude Assessment | Supporter, neutral, or resistor |
| Communication Plan | Channel, frequency, and content by stakeholder |
| Engagement Strategy | How to move resistors and maintain supporters |
| Risk Identification | Stakeholder-related project risks |
Tips
- High power + low interest: Keep satisfied — they can block you if surprised
- High power + high interest: Manage closely — your key allies or biggest risks
- Resistors need attention: Understand their concerns before trying to change their minds
- Update the map: Stakeholder positions shift — revisit monthly
Commands
"Create a stakeholder analysis for [project]"
"Build a RACI matrix for [project deliverables]"
"Design a communication plan by stakeholder group"
"Identify stakeholder-related risks and mitigation strategies"
Troubleshooting
Too many stakeholders Say: "Group by interest and influence. Communicate at group level for low-influence stakeholders."
Can't assess attitudes Ask: "Infer from their stated concerns, past project behavior, and what they stand to gain or lose."
Communication fatigue Specify: "Different stakeholders need different cadences. Not everyone needs weekly updates."