Hack:
Discovering hidden influencers that make and break project success

Stakeholder participation is key for agility and innovation in project implementation. However, most project management techniques assume a linear algorithm to define social relationships. The esoteric nature of social network analysis is partly to blame for the apathy in incorporating relationships in project plans. NetMap looks like a remarkable simple tool to identify potential risks from conflicting motivations. Impressive indeed!

As someone who has used the net-map technique for evaluating how a network would bear on decisions for a proposed technology; I can speak to the true value of this approach. The problem outlined above is very realistic and using this type of technique can at least help a project team/leader understand who bears on what decisions. By examining the influencers, particularly those that are negative toward the project, and leveraging those that are for the project, project success is much more likely to increase. Additionally, applying this technique throughout the life of the project allows you to understand how the attitudes of the influencers evolve.

If you deal with change, whether it be Agile Adoption, introduction of new technologies, or simply standing up and implementing a project, this should be an essential tool in your toolbox.

I'll close that by understanding your network of influencers you can also target two additional Foster Renewal moonshots and an additional Seek Balance moonshot. The understanding will allow you to better "Create internal markets for ideas, talent & resources" since you will have better understanding of motivators behind each infuencer. As you utilize the technique in larger organizations, you can allow organizations to become larger and realize you are dealing with humans and their motivators (which are often emotional); this supports "Disaggregate the organization". And lastly, because you are dealing with motivations of influencers who are not necessarily using a spreadsheet for calculating trade-offs, but are acting more on emotions, you'll be able to "Transcend traditional management trade-offs" more effectively.

Nodding in strong agreement with other comments and this hack. I'd add that the visual nature can unlock certain types of conversations that are often hidden in the "word only" approaches we often use (i.e. meetings).

I have used the Net-Map approach on several occasions for identifying and assessing networks and relationships and found it extremely useful. The technique is simple to be used and adapted to different purposes, which makes it an excellent approach to be share with partners. The approach provided an opportunity for project members to understand relationships among individuals and organizations. It is a powerful tool for planning, monitoring and evaluation.

Highly efficient and productive groups are known to have this in common: they know where the expertise lies in their organization; who to go to for what. This normally develops over time. The process outlined here could be a fast track to that same happy state of affairs.

I consider Net-Map a very useful and flexible “participatory” tool. It is perhaps in this grounded participatory approach where the strength lies. The methodology is non-threatening, easy to use and didactic while mapping people’s needs, assets, expertise, etc. in order for them to make informed decisions about a felt need or new avenue to pursue together. This approach can elicit collaboration, discovery and foster interaction among very different groups of stakeholders.

I'm struck by how simple this this tool is, and how likely it is that it may be used efficiently and effectively to resolve real life problems. It is attractive in part because the collaborative, participatory nature of stakeholder involvement may result in stakeholders being vested in the process and the outcomes, and the nature of stakeholder involvement may lead to greater satisfaction and compliance with any agreements reached post-mapping.

In November last year we organized a net-map workshop on our conference "sustainability and networking" in Lüneburg, Germany. The participants noted that this easy to use tool, the work with pen and paper and the group discussion offers tremendous advantages over computer-aided network analysis tools.

very well written, bookmarked it! I was wondering if you have done any live case study on this and got before and after measurable results?

This is a powerful technique as it stirs discussions. It is affordable and allows for intensive discussions. Unlike social network analysis software, it does not give statistics of the influencers. However; the technique provides means for building trust gradually leading to the surfacing out of hidden agenda. The illustrations are quite useful

I use a similar technique in my book The Falconer and working with K-12 students and tried it with a group of West Point cadets in analyzing theoretical systems of interaction in Afghanistan. One group came up with a remarkable four-cornered diagram that brilliantly highlighted that the center of gravity surrounded American forces, while the Taliban actually are well outside of the center of gravity. However it was equally easy to see that if the Americans are removed it will immediately destabalize the system. These were 22 year old students with no training at all on the actual conditions on the ground there, and they immediately developed this tool that could actually save lives through correct understanding of the system.

This technique is also used for understanding industry structure. It is especially helpful in emerging industries where there are many new entrants and many new roles. Mapping the personal relationships (boards and management members) can lead to insights to the eventual structure of the industry and the consolidation transactions.