Stakeholder Power-Interest Map

Map stakeholders by power and interest to plan engagement strategy.

When to Use

When starting an initiative that involves multiple stakeholders.

The Framework

Power-Interest Grid

	Low Interest	High Interest
High Power	Keep Satisfied	Manage Closely
Low Power	Monitor	Keep Informed

Influence Pyramid

Beyond formal power, map informal influence:

• Top tier: Decision makers, budget holders
• Middle tier: Gatekeepers, team leads
• Base tier: Super-connectors, exec assistants

The Process

1. List Stakeholders

Gather:

• Names and roles
• Organizational position
• Known relationships
• Allies and blockers

2. Map to Grid

Place each stakeholder in the 2x2 based on:

• Power: Formal authority, budget control, veto ability
• Interest: How much they care about this initiative

3. Build Influence Pyramid

Identify informal power:

• Who controls access?
• Who influences opinion?
• Who connects people?

4. Profile High-Power Stakeholders

For each, document:

• Goals and success metrics
• Likely concerns (political, operational, reputational)
• Preferred communication style
• Political risks for you

5. Create Engagement Plan

For each high-power stakeholder:

• Cadence and channel
• Format and owner
• Key message (tied to their priorities)
• Quick win to offer
• Fallback if they resist

Output

• Power-Interest matrix with names
• Influence pyramid with rationale
• High-power profiles table
• Engagement plan table
• Top 3 political pitfalls to avoid

When Not to Use

Do not use this skill when the request is unrelated, low-stakes, or better handled by a simpler direct response.