Every successful project depends on people. But not all stakeholders need the same level of attention. That’s where the Power/Interest Grid comes in.

This simple but powerful tool helps you segment stakeholders based on how much influence they have—and how much they care. Once you know where each person or group sits, you can plan your engagement strategy more effectively.

What Is the Power/Interest Grid?

The Power/Interest Grid (also called the Interest/Influence Matrix) is a 2x2 framework that plots stakeholders on two axes:

  • Power – Their ability to influence the project or its outcomes
  • Interest – Their level of concern or involvement in the project

This creates four quadrants:

  1. High Power / High Interest – Manage Closely
  2. High Power / Low Interest – Keep Satisfied
  3. Low Power / High Interest – Keep Informed
  4. Low Power / Low Interest – Monitor Only

Why It Matters

Treating all stakeholders the same leads to missed expectations, miscommunication, and sometimes open resistance. The Power/Interest Grid helps you:

  • Focus your time and energy where it matters most
  • Customize your messages to different needs
  • Build support and reduce surprises

How to Use the Power/Interest Grid

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. List Your Stakeholders

Include individuals, teams, departments, or external partners who are affected by or can affect the project.

2. Assess Power and Interest

For each stakeholder, ask:

  • How much influence do they have?
  • How invested are they in the project’s success?

Rank each on a simple scale (e.g., High/Medium/Low).

3. Plot on the Grid

Place each stakeholder in one of the four quadrants.

4. Develop a Strategy for Each Group

  • Manage Closely (High/High) – Involve them in decisions, give regular updates, and ask for input.
  • Keep Satisfied (High Power, Low Interest) – Don’t overwhelm them. Share high-level updates and check in occasionally.
  • Keep Informed (Low Power, High Interest) – Keep these folks updated and invite feedback. They can be great allies.
  • Monitor Only (Low/Low) – Don’t ignore them, but minimal effort is needed unless their status changes.

Visual Example

  High Power  
     \+--------------------+  
     |                    |  
     |  Manage Closely    | ← Engage deeply  
     |                    |  
     \+--------------------+  
     |                    |  
     |  Monitor Only      | ← Low touch  
     |                    |  
     \+--------------------+  
   Low Interest         High Interest

Tips for Better Results

  • Revisit the grid regularly—stakeholder positions can shift
  • Use it to build your communication plan
  • Combine with stakeholder personas or empathy maps
  • Be discreet with sensitive assessments

Summary: Better Segmentation, Better Support

Not all stakeholders are equal—but all are important. The Power/Interest Grid helps you recognize who matters most, tailor your approach, and reduce project risk.

If your stakeholder strategy feels like one-size-fits-all, try this tool. A little segmentation goes a long way.

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