Stakeholder Map Template

What this template is for

A stakeholder map identifies everyone who has an interest in or influence over your project, product, or decision — and shows how to prioritize your engagement with each group. Without a stakeholder map, teams waste time over-communicating with low-influence observers and under-communicating with high-influence decision makers who can block or accelerate the work. This template uses a classic two-axis grid: power versus interest. Plot each stakeholder, then assign a communication strategy based on their quadrant.

When to use this template

• Map stakeholders at the start of a product initiative to decide who needs to be kept informed versus involved.
• Identify who has sign-off authority before a major product launch or organizational change.
• Prepare for a difficult project by understanding which stakeholders are supportive, neutral, or resistant.
• Plan a communication strategy for a sensitive initiative such as a restructuring or platform migration.
• Audit existing stakeholder relationships after a project failure to find where communication broke down.
• Align a cross-functional team on who the real decision makers are before starting discovery work.

How to use it

1. 1Brainstorm everyone who is affected by or has influence over the project — list them without filtering.
2. 2For each stakeholder, rate their level of power or influence on the project outcome (high or low).
3. 3Rate their level of interest or involvement in the project (high or low).
4. 4Plot each stakeholder on the 2x2 grid: high power / high interest, high power / low interest, low power / high interest, low power / low interest.
5. 5Assign a communication approach to each quadrant: manage closely, keep satisfied, keep informed, or monitor.
6. 6Review and update the map at major project milestones as stakeholder positions shift.

Quick example