Category: Thought

Competency: Managing Stakeholders

Competency Definition: The ability to identify key stakeholders, manage relationships, and align interests to move work forward.

Abbreviation in Louisiana Jobs: MS - 26


Managing Stakeholders

Competency Behaviors: Specific, observable actions demonstrating the competency

Forming


Struggles to demonstrate the competency; needs guidance and practice.
  • Fails to recognize or involve key individuals or groups affected by decisions
  • Struggles to provide timely updates or share relevant information with stakeholders
  • Struggles to develop rapport or trust with stakeholders; interactions feel transactional
  • Avoids or mishandles disagreements, resulting in escalating tensions
  • Makes little effort to secure stakeholder support or interest in initiatives
  • Ignores or dismisses feedback, missing opportunities for continuous improvement

Improving


Shows growth and increasing confidence but not yet consistently independent

Successful


Demonstrates the competency independently and reliably in routine situations
  • Identifies and categorizes stakeholders based on influence, impact, and decision relevance
  • Communicates with stakeholders using formats and messaging tailored to their roles, interests, and expectations
  • Ensures timely contact with stakeholders to support transparency and cooperation
  • Resolves conflicts professionally and in a timely manner, preserving working relationships
  • Applies strategies to build alignment and consensus, even when interests vary
  • Uses structured feedback to adjust stakeholder engagement and show that input is valued and acted upon

Exceeds


Applies the competency independently in challenging or high-impact situations, adding value or insight

Exceptional


Demonstrates subject-matter expertise, serves as a role model, and elevates standards.
  • Proactively identifies emerging stakeholders and assesses their evolving influence
  • Engages stakeholders early to surface concerns and align expectations before decisions are made
  • Establishes long-term trust by demonstrating credibility, empathy, and shared purpose
  • Navigates potential tensions skillfully, using diplomacy and early intervention to avoid escalation
  • Builds strategic alliances by reframing resistance and demonstrating mutual benefit
  • Uses feedback to improve engagement strategies and strengthen long-term stakeholder relationships