Engaging Our Stakeholders

• Short iterations and frequent releases help keep stakeholders engaged.
• At the end of every iteration (maximum four weeks), stakeholders review the product.
• This provides them with a clear understanding of project progress.
• Frequent releases allow stakeholders to use the software and provide feedback.
• Early feedback helps in identifying risks and issues sooner.

Example:
If stakeholders notice missing fields in a report or incorrect calculations, they can report it early instead of waiting until the project is completed.

• More stakeholder engagement can lead to more change requests.
• According to agile principles, change requests indicate active engagement.
• When the project is completed, it will closely align with stakeholder requirements.

Managing Stakeholder Issues

• Some stakeholders may cause problems due to unmet expectations.
• Conflicts may arise regarding features or project decisions.
• Managing issues requires strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Implementing an escalation process helps resolve stakeholder issues efficiently.

Example:
If a stakeholder's critical feature is delayed, addressing their concerns through proper communication and escalation can prevent conflicts and keep the project on track.

Why Focus on Stakeholders?

• Projects are executed for people by people.
• Ensuring stakeholder engagement leads to better project success.
• Effective communication and issue resolution contribute to smoother project execution.