A common mistake for many project teams is to consider stakeholder engagement as an add-on to the implementation plan. A good communication plan should provide sufficient coverage of the stakeholders and how to keep them engaged with the team. Without it, the project may suffer from competing perspectives and poor communication.

Consider the following: you have been tasked with leading a project that will overhaul your companys human resources information system. This will include services such as payroll, benefits, employment opportunities, new hires, and training. Create a stakeholder engagement plan that will aid the process going forward:

• Develop a strategy for engagement for the listed stakeholders. Include a list of actions required to involve stakeholders in the decision making and execution of the project in an efficient and constructive manner. Clearly define how you will handle stakeholder expectations and account for potential backlash on the project.