Tips for managing stakeholder input: are there any templates or best practices for when to gather input and how to incorporate (i.e. whose feedback to incorporate vs. ignore, etc.), especially as it relates to a timeline?

Build a RAPID (or choose your decision making framework of preference). Ideally, this isn’t such a problem in your organization that you need a RAPID for everything. But don’t waste time trying to backchannel this and figure out whose opinion really matters - be transparent and ask your manager or stakeholders to partner with you in clarifying this. It is absolutely best practice at any company to be very clear about who the decision maker is (as well as the other roles in the framework) - you w ...Read More

I've seen a few different forums and templates work. Here are a few ideas: Field input: I've seen some team use a JIRA ticketing system for this. It's a great way for CS or AEs to capture customer and prospect feedback and write it down. The teams are able to see a board where other ideas have been submitted and if they like the idea or have heard of the same idea in the field they essentially can "up vote" it. Product and Field teams come to an understanding that ideas are reviewed before every ...Read More

The best way to manage stakeholder input is to start with a project plan or institutite a cadence that has specific points for stakeholders to provide input. Otherwise, as I am sure most PMMs have experienced, it comes in all over the place and in moments where it's not helpful.  For example, when I am running a launch, I'll articulate specific times when feedback is requested and by which teams. Usually it starts with leadership and then as we progress it cascades down to a select group of ICs ...Read More

Throughout the project, you'll be getting feedback from multiple stakeholders (both internal and external). Everyone wants to be heard and having an open door policy is helpful. However, not all feedback is created equal so you want to identify which feedback sources are the primary and which are secondary. And it does vary as you proceed in the various stages of the product development and GTM. For example, in the early product development phase, I rely heavily on the customer feedback through ...Read More

The best advice for managing stakeholder input is to give them a read-ahead before major milestones and to set firm deadlines. Strategy / Proposal State audience and purpose of strategy document. Challenges Clearly state your point of view of this project faces. Mission Statement Take ownership and let the organization know what Customer Marketing stands for. The mission statement is an enduring guiding light that Customer Marketing will follow for the next few years. Use the following structure ...Read More

Firstly, try to prioritize and manage expectations from stakeholders. This can include setting clear next steps and feedback loops on the people's feedback. No one likes it when their feedback is ignored and forgotten. Secondly, when considering feedback from stakeholders check if this feedback is aligned with the project goals. Inputs that support goals are more likely to be valuable and should be given greater consideration. Thirdly, learn how to say "no". Not all the inputs should be applied ...Read More