Stakeholder map template

Not to be dramatic, but the team you work with can make the difference between a project that thrives…and a project filled with miscommunication and delays. But, identifying key stakeholders isn’t complicated — and with our stakeholder map template, it’s a piece of cake. This template helps minimize confusion on who is who, clarifies responsibilities, and catalyzes a transition from strangers to collaborators.

Stakeholder mapping can help your internal and external teams work better together, helping the 66% of knowledge workers who aren’t happy with how their teams work together get back onboard. Use this template to identify stakeholders and strategize the level of involvement that each stakeholder will have.

What is a stakeholder map?

A stakeholder map is a visual representation of the people, groups, or organizations that are working directly and actively on a project, product, or idea. It's a tool that helps identify key stakeholders to understand their influence and develop a strategy for managing them. 

Even if a project team is on the smaller side, roles, responsibilities, and everything in between can get a little complicated. So, stakeholder maps, along with RACI charts, can help clear up confusion from the start so your team can get to work faster.

What are stakeholder maps used for?

Stakeholder mapping tools clarify relationships and help in decision-making by showing how different stakeholders impact or are impacted by the project's outcomes. You can also use a stakeholder map to improve communication, facilitate collaboration, and keep each member of your team accountable for their piece of work.

A stakeholder map template helps you:

• Identify key players who will actually move the need on your projects

• Create better communication channels that will get stuff done

• See where resources should go to help the most people

Stakeholder map example

Need inspiration as you’re building your map? Here’s a stakeholder map example to help you out.

How to use Mural’s stakeholder map template

Step 1: Identify your stakeholders

List all the relevant team members and groups that will be involved in your project. Then, categorize them as internal or external stakeholders.

Step 2: Map influence and interest

Create a matrix with two axes: influence (or power) and interest. Then group your stakeholders accordingly. Group them into quadrants:

• High influence/high Interest: Actively engage.

• High influence/low Interest: Keep satisfied.

• Low influence/high Interest: Keep informed.

• Low influence/low Interest: Provide status updates as needed.

Step 3: Develop an engagement strategy

Create a communication strategy for each quadrant:

• For high influence/high interest stakeholders, develop a strategy for regular engagement, collaboration, and decision-making involvement.

• For high influence/low interest stakeholders, focus on periodic updates and addressing any specific concerns to maintain their support.

• For low influence/high interest stakeholders, use informational updates and open channels for feedback to keep them engaged.

• For low influence/low interest stakeholders, limit engagement but monitor for any shifts in their influence or interest.

Tips for using a stakeholder mapping template

• Gather the data you need: Don’t go into your stakeholder map blind; research your stakeholders and use what you learn to build a robust map.

• Be realistic when determining levels of interest and influence: People are busy, so make sure you’re putting the right stakeholders in the right places so you can keep your project moving.

• Remember that this is a living document: Stakeholder positions may shift over time, so ensure your template is easy to update as the project evolves.