Research

Stakeholder Interviews

Stakeholder interviews reveal the hidden landscape of organizational dynamics. Understand priorities and constraints before they derail your project. Build relationships while gathering intel. Extract honest insights, even from executives who tell you what they *think* you want to hear.

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
6-12
Category
Research
Difficulty
Easy

  • Identify and prioritize key stakeholders.

  • Develop interviewing skills to surface honest insights.

  • Practice extracting requirements from vague answers.

  • Build skills in synthesizing diverse perspectives.

  • Understand how to navigate organizational dynamics.


  • A stakeholder map showing needs and concerns.

  • Identified alignments and conflicts.

  • Clear requirements and constraints.

  • Relationships built for project support.

Remember, your job is mostly listening. Use silence; they will fill it. Ask "why" repeatedly. Notice what they don't say. Keep responses confidential. Look for patterns, not opinions. Identify opportunities and resistance. Build relationships. Avoid interviewing only supporters. Probe vague answers. Don't let one voice dominate. Acknowledge conflicting needs. It's easy to miss a key perspective; be humble and open to revising your understanding.

  1. Interview Planning (30 minutes): Identify stakeholders. Research their roles and concerns. Create a stakeholder map. Develop interview guides.

  2. Conducting Interviews (60-90 minutes each): Open with project context. Start with background questions. Move to project hopes and concerns. Probe on politics. Ask: "What question should I have asked?"

  3. Core Interview Questions: "What does success look like to you?" "What keeps you up at night?" "What has failed in similar projects?" "Who are the hidden decision-makers?" "What constraints should we design around?"

  4. Documentation (15 minutes per interview): Write notes immediately. Capture direct quotes. Note non-verbal cues. Flag follow-up items.

  5. Synthesis (60 minutes): Map insights across themes. Identify alignments and conflicts. Surface hidden requirements. Create a communication plan.

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For Facilitators

  • Review participant profiles and expectations
  • Prepare all materials and supplies
  • Test technology and room setup

For Participants

  • Complete pre-session survey
  • Review background materials
  • Prepare examples or case studies

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  • Stakeholder map template

  • Interview guides

  • Background research

  • Calendar invites

  • Notebook or laptop

  • Audio recorder (optional, with permission)

  • Business cards

  • Wall space or digital whiteboard

  • Sticky notes

  • Theme templates

Unlock Materials Required

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  • Facilitator Guide (PDF)
  • Participant Workbook Template
  • Presentation Slides
  • Printable Materials

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