How early is too early to start engaging the community?
Throughout my career in the public sector, I've seen stakeholder engagement done well, poorly, and, frankly, as a tick-box exercise that didn’t meaningfully shape outcomes. That last one? It’s a missed opportunity—though perhaps not a surprising one given how often engagement is treated as an obligation rather than a strategy.
A few years ago, I joined a project that aimed to flip this approach on its head. The goal? To involve the local community in shaping solutions, contributing their experiences, and even playing an active role in making their ideas a reality. While this approach was the backbone of the project, it didn’t come without its challenges—particularly around how much influence the community should have and when they should be brought into the process.
So, how early is too early to start engaging the community?
Community: the key to long-term success
Communities are powerful. Their loyalty and advocacy can make or break a business, a product, or a development. In construction, infrastructure, and public works, gaining community approval isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s often the cornerstone of a project’s success.
My take? There’s room for community involvement at every stage—whether you’re designing a new housing development, upgrading public infrastructure, or planning a community event. The key is tailoring your engagement to the project's phase and objectives:
Early stages
Start with targeted conversations. Speak with key community members to understand their lived experiences and establish foundational insights.
Mid-stages
Broaden your reach to capture diverse perspectives. Use this feedback to refine solutions and demonstrate responsiveness.
Implementation and beyond
Focus on maintaining momentum and transparency. Share updates, celebrate wins, and show stakeholders how their input has shaped the final outcome.
What early and effective engagement looks like
Imagine this: your project develops with input from stakeholders who feel heard and valued. Their insights lead to better-aligned outcomes, while their buy-in helps smooth approval processes and generate excitement. By the time you’re ready to break ground—or launch—there’s a base of community advocates who understand and support your vision.
Engaging stakeholders early doesn’t just mitigate risk; it creates opportunities. Opportunities to build trust, gain insights, and foster partnerships that ensure your project’s long-term success.
Let’s start the conversation
If you’re looking to elevate your stakeholder engagement game, I’m offering free consultations to explore how you can engage your community effectively—whether they’re directly impacted by your project or simply interested in influencing it. Get in touch using the form below.
Curious about your current engagement approach? Try my initial assessment tool to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement. Choose from:
