Thursday 31 May 2012

How will your stakeholders grow?


The BBC's Springwatch just wouldn't be springwatch without Chris Packham and his charts - his delight at conveying data in a chart is contagious. I do have that trait myself - if I can put it in Excel I will and if I can then convey the data graphically all the better. 

Charts and tables aren't just for post activity data analysis they can also be used pre-activity. As you can see in this chart that shows you how to grow vegetables including: 
  • what time of year you can plant them in and outside
  • ideal soil temperature to enable the seeds to germinate
  • their hardiness to weather changes (always needed here in Scotland)
  • when to fertilise
  • when to water 
Following the advice will optimise the likelihood of the vegetables making it to harvest and eventually the dinner table.

To optimise the likelihood of fruitful relationships with your stakeholders a similar table would be helpful - including information such as:
  • likes
  • dislikes
  • what gets them up in a morning
  • what keeps them awake at night
  • support needed to enable them to flourish
  • influence within the organisation
  • support for purchasing/procurement
It's only by knowing this information that you can know how to flex your communication to suit them as an individual and increase the opportunity to influence and engage their support.

Alison Smith
The Purchasing Coach

Chart picture Source: thegardencentral.com via Alison on Pinterest

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