Build a Team and Identify Problems with Stakeholders, Decision-Makers and Experts
Shared Vision Planning uses the concept of “Circles of
Influence” when building a team. The idea is that all collaborators
belong to one of three circles: A, B or C. Those in circle A are most
involved in the study and carry out critical tasks, such as building
the model, organizing meetings and conducting research. Those in circle
B include representatives from key stakeholder groups, but they have
less direct involvement than people in circle A. Circle C includes
representatives from stakeholder groups, management agencies and
advocacy groups. This circle comprises a larger number of people who
have less direct involvement in the project than those in circle B. This
approach ensures participation at manageable levels by a large number
of stakeholders. The decisions and plans reached by all three circles
working together are then presented to circle D, which includes agency
heads and elected officials.
Critical Difference: In addition to identifying problems and opportunities, SVP calls for a team of:
- Stakeholders that can affect or are affected by the decision,
- Decision makers needed to effect the solution, and
- Experts who can inform the solution.
Example from the National Drought Study
In the Drought
Preparedness Studies, all stakeholders outside of Circle A were clearly
connected to those inside Circle A, usually through common work
places, related work groups or professional organizations. The
connections were based on a combination of trust and communication.
These connections helped facilitate the discovery of alternatives
acceptable to all stakeholders.
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