“If there is alignment among stakeholders, values, and actions, we have the agency to make things happen.” Roger Spitz
In one of my keynote speeches titled, “Are You Veteran Friendly or Veteran Ready,” I share the value of hiring veterans – “the ability to engage with and build consensus among stakeholders.” My military experience was brimming with examples of where I had to ‘rally the troops’ – stakeholders, behind a common end state. Afghanistan is the most significant example. I had authority over approximately 500 of the over 700 men and women I had in my task force. The ones I didn’t have authority over were individuals and teams from the U.S. Department of State, the Agency for International Development or USAID, FBI and several others. I could direct my troops – the former, with full authority, but I could only influence the other named agencies – the latter, to do what needed to be done. For the latter I had to determine what was at stake. For more on this, visit my previous blog titled, “Unity of Command, or Unity of Effort.”
Stakeholders exist everywhere. I own a small business which sells window coverings such as shutters, blinds, and roller shades. I have authority over the people who work for me, but I do not have authority over the builders, realtors, and home improvers who share the same end goal – the enrichment and beautification of a person’s home or business. Because I want my business to grow and for us to preserve our great reputation, I engage with these stakeholders. For a realtor, their reputation is at stake. If they show people that they are in it only for themselves and the money, they will not last long. If they share my vision of enrichment, we can help each other. If I can demonstrate the quality of the products I sell and the steadfast service I provide, they will refer their clients to me thus enhancing their own reputation. I work hard to build relationships and deliver excellence because I know what is at stake for builders, realtors, and home improvers.
