HKSM

An ongoing activity to track stakeholder relationships and adjust how stakeholders are engaged by updating engagement approaches and plans as needs change.

Key Points

• Continuously assess stakeholder interest, influence, and engagement levels against what was planned.
• Use feedback, meetings, issue logs, and performance data to detect shifts in stakeholder needs or attitudes.
• Modify engagement strategies and the stakeholder engagement plan when gaps or risks are identified.
• Promote two-way communication, manage concerns promptly, and confirm changes are effective over time.

Example

During a CRM implementation, the PM notices support agents are less responsive to workshops and a key sponsor is missing reviews. The team gathers feedback, updates the stakeholder engagement plan to add targeted demos and short executive briefings, assigns a liaison to the sponsor, and tracks engagement weekly. Participation and sponsorship involvement improve in the following sprint.

PMP Example Question

Midway through a project, surveys show several influential stakeholders have become neutral instead of supportive. What should the project manager do next?

1. Escalate to the sponsor and request a change in project scope.
2. Continue with the current plan and wait for the next phase gate.
3. Review stakeholder feedback, adjust engagement strategies, and update the stakeholder engagement plan.
4. Log the issue and update only the risk register.

Correct Answer: C — Review feedback and adapt engagement strategies and plans.

Explanation: Monitor Stakeholder Engagement focuses on observing stakeholder relationships and tailoring engagement by modifying strategies and plans when alignment shifts.