Purpose
Helps clarify group input, selection, and decision in concrete terms. It turns individual contributions into a visible selection. The result is captured as a Power Interest Grid and a stakeholder-specific strategy.
Facilitation
Power Interest Grid
Moves group input, selection, and decision toward a concrete result through "collect stakeholders individually and by group", "explain power and interest", and "derive a strategy for each quadrant".
Which stakeholders need which communication and relationship strategy, based on their power and interest in the initiative?
LowWorkshop30-60 min
How it works
The team follows the steps "collect stakeholders individually and by group", "explain power and interest", "position each stakeholder", "discuss clusters", and "derive a strategy for each quadrant". Each step is made visible. At the end, Power Interest Grid and stakeholder-specific strategy are available so decisions, tests, or actions can continue directly.
Visual orientation
Method sketch for a quick mental model.
Flow
- 1Collect stakeholders individually and by group
- 2Explain power and interest
- 3Position each stakeholder
- 4Discuss clusters
- 5Derive a strategy for each quadrant
The runsheet guides execution with 4 phases, timeboxes, 5 pitfalls, and clear stop criteria.
Open runsheetIdeal for
- Project kickoff
- Change programs
- Communication planning
Not good for
- Very small teams with clear accountability
Deep dive
In detail
The Power Interest Grid, often called the Mendelow Matrix, assigns stakeholders to four strategies, from Manage Closely through Keep Informed and Keep Satisfied to Monitor. It is often used at project kickoff and combined with stakeholder mapping. It makes clear that not every stakeholder needs the same level of attention.
Facilitation
Define power and interest together. Do not invite stakeholders to place themselves on the grid. Treat the artifact as confidential.
Output artifacts
Power Interest GridStrategie pro Stakeholder
Artifact templates
Power Interest Grid Working TemplateCompact working template for Power Interest Grid with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.markdown
Power Interest Grid Working TemplateCompact working template for Power Interest Grid with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
markdownpower-interest-grid-working-template.md
Compact working template for Power Interest Grid with context, input, output artifacts, and next step.
Power Interest Grid Working Template
Goal
Sorts stakeholders into four quadrants by influence and interest.
Context
When and for what do we use this method?
Input
Which data, observations, decisions, or materials are available?
Execution
Short notes along the runsheet.
Output artifacts
- Power Interest Grid:
- Stakeholder strategy:
Assumptions and open questions
- ...
Decision / next step
Owner, date, and success signal.
When to choose differently
Short decision aid for existing alternatives.
Stakeholder Mapping
Statt Power Interest Grid, wenn neben Einfluss und Interesse auch Haltung, Bedürfnisse oder Beziehungen der Stakeholder relevant sind.
Similar methods
All methodsFacilitation
Stakeholder Salience Model
Moves group input, selection, and decision toward a concrete result through "prepare the stakeholder list", "define power, legitimacy, and urgency", and "derive strategy by class".
Facilitation
Alignment Mapping
Turns group input, selection, and decision into a tangible result by defining the alignment question, collecting stakeholder perspectives, and planning clarification steps.
Facilitation
3-Circle Venn Diagram
Turns group contributions, selection, and decision-making into a tangible result by defining three perspectives, collecting items, and deriving implications.
Facilitation
Expectation Mapping
Turns group input, selection, and decision into a tangible result by clarifying stakeholders and scope, collecting expectations silently, and deriving agreements.
Facilitation
Stakeholder Mapping
Turns options, selection, and decisions into a tangible result by listing stakeholders, assessing influence and interest, and planning next conversations.
Statt Power Interest Grid, wenn neben Einfluss und Interesse auch Haltung, Bedürfnisse oder Beziehungen der Stakeholder relevant sind.
Facilitation
Problem Framing Workshop
Turns group input, selection, and decision into a tangible result by collecting the starting situation, clarifying affected people and impacts, and choosing a shared working definition.