In a hybrid project, the project manager has identified a few stakeholders. According to the stakeholder matrix, the head of development has a high rating of power/influence and a high likelihood of conflict. Which action should the project manager avoid?

The stakeholder is identified as having high power/influence, making their engagement critical to project success. Dismissing their opinions is a direct path to creating an adversary, increasing conflict, and jeopardizing project objectives. Effective stakeholder management, as outlined by PMI, involves actively listening to, understanding, and addressing the concerns of influential stakeholders to foster support and mitigate risks. Ignoring such a key figure is a significant project management failure and the one action that must be avoided.

1. Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (6th ed.).

Section 13.3

Manage Stakeholder Engagement: This process is defined as "communicating and working with stakeholders to meet their needs and expectations

address issues

and foster appropriate stakeholder involvement." Dismissing opinions is the antithesis of this process. The key benefit is to "increase support and minimize resistance

" which dismissing opinions would actively undermine.

2. Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) (7th ed.).

Section 2.3

Stakeholder Performance Domain: This domain emphasizes that "Effective stakeholder engagement involves fostering positive relationships and creating an environment where stakeholders can contribute positively." Dismissing opinions would damage relationships and create a negative environment.

3. Project Management Institute. (2017). Agile Practice Guide.

Section 5.2.3

Stakeholder Engagement: This section highlights the importance of active and frequent stakeholder engagement for feedback and collaboration. Dismissing opinions violates the core agile principle of collaboration with stakeholders.