Stakeholder Management

Definition

The art of keeping various groups happy—executives, employees, regulators, and lawyers—usually by disappointing everyone equally.

Example Usage

Stakeholder management meant I had to explain to three different teams why their requests conflicted with company policy.

Origin

Business management term popularized in 1980s-90s.

Fun Fact

Poor stakeholder management is cited as a cause of failure in 40% of organizational initiatives.

Source: Project and change management

Related Terms

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glass ceiling

An invisible barrier preventing women and minorities from advancing to senior leadership positions, despite qualifications. A metaphor that's unfortunately more durable than glass.

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The partner who relocates for their significant other's job transfer or career opportunity, often sacrificing their own career in the process. Corporate speak for 'your career comes second.'

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retraining

The corporate euphemism for teaching your workforce a completely new skill set because automation just made their old job obsolete—think of it as professional reinvention with mandatory attendance.

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Compensation and Benefits (Comp & Ben)

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HR Business Partner (HRBP)

An HR professional integrated into specific business units to provide strategic support. It's HR trying to be cool and business-like at the same time.

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