Dealing with Difficult Stakeholders - Conversation with Andy Kaufman

Project Managers often fear having to deal with difficult stakeholders. But there are plenty of approaches we can take. So, in this video, I discuss ideas with People and Projects Podcast host, Andy Kaufman. Andy Kaufman works with organizations around the world helping them improve their ability to lead and deliver. 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 into management for all the wrong reasons! He is the author of three books and host of the acclaimed People and Projects Podcast, which provides free PDUs through interviews and insights for his global listeners. The title of his podcast tells us all about his approach – the equal importance of People and Projects. That’s why I wanted to speak with 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 ‘stakeholder’? 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 - Other stakeholder engagement traps 05:06 - The Power-Interest Matrix 05:48 - Keep informed vs Keep satisfied 08:17 - Importance of listening to your stakeholders 08:55 - Meeting particular needs 10:10 - Designing reports around the needs of our stakeholders 11:13 - Project reports to stimulate action 12:37 - Difficult Stakeholders 12:48 - What do you think of, when you’re thinking about ‘difficult stakeholders’? 13:10 - Two reasons why people get upset 14:13 - Labelling ‘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-to 21:05 - ‘I need your help’ 21:50 - It’s hard to argue with… 22:01 - The ‘left eye tip’ 22:47 - Power of listening 23:09 - Rapaport’s Rule #1 23:37 - The power of silence 25:56 - Keep your friends close… 26:55 - Where to sit when you meet a difficult stakeholder - Power in the Meeting Room: Psychology of Seating Positions https://youtu.be/Bh8MnOJ6RQw - Seating Psychology in One-on-One Meetings https://youtu.be/bh_R7z8uquA 27:42 - Building agreement 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 #1: The cardinal law of persuasion 36:06 - Andy’s bonus tip #2: The law of gratitude 36:30 - Andy’s bonus tip #3: Gratitude 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 & Mike 38:48 - Close Discounted Course (30%) I Beg Your Pardon... The Power of Listening https://school.onlinepmcourses.com/p/i-beg-your-pardon-the-power-of-listening/?product_id=2925133&coupon_code=LIVESTREAM02 Get in touch with 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: - Engaging Stakeholders on Projects: Interview with Elizabeth Harrin https://youtu.be/p40qcyGxFPo - 5 Stakeholder Engagement Tips https://youtu.be/APc9S_8v7YY - Astonish Your Stakeholders... with a Stakeholder Listening Plan https://youtu.be/NldOQhTr0KE - Overload, Overwhelm, and a Yelling Client https://youtu.be/j0GZPyPD5nc - Challenging Communication Tips for Better Project Communication https://youtu.be/6hvj3XmHsxE - How to Build a Great Project Communications Plan https://youtu.be/HULx9Gni9Og - Influencing Stakeholders: Start at the Bottom https://youtu.be/LniIzjZuKdo - Project Communication: Stop Using Telegrams - Get Better Project Results https://youtu.be/irrmJ0pL6Sw - How to Understand the Sources of Conflict https://youtu.be/he4_qHtBDqM I asked Project Managers what you need to have, to do your job as a Project Manager. I compiled their answers into a Kit list. https://kit.co/MikeClayton/what-a-project-manager-needs Note: the links are affiliated. For more great Project Management videos, please subscribe to this channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMZfp1_wquyegVY9SoER0Nw?sub_confirmation=1 For all our great Project Management articles and resources, please check out the OnlinePMCourses website: https://onlinepmcourses.com/ For more of our Project Management videos in themed collections, join our Free Academy of Project Management: https://onlinepmcourses.com/free-academy-of-project-management/ #Project #ProjectManagement #DifficultStakeholders