Design tips

Map Who Decides, Who Is Affected, Who Carries Risk

A stakeholder mapping method to make hidden influence visible before your project moves.

Abayomi Ogundipe

Abayomi Ogundipe

2 min read
Map Who Decides, Who Is Affected, Who Carries Risk

Most projects fail quietly, not because the idea is weak, but because the right people were not involved at the right time. Stakeholder mapping is how you prevent that.

I built Lesson 1.2 to help you map who decides, who is affected, and who carries risk. The lesson is self-paced so you can update the map as your project evolves.

What this lesson covers

  • How to separate power from proximity to the problem
  • How to map stakeholders in three layers so influence is clear
  • How to choose the right engagement move for each group

How I suggest using it

List stakeholders

  • Write every group you can name, even if the list feels messy
  • Include decision makers, implementers, community members, and funders

Place them in three layers

  • Core: direct influence on outcomes
  • Influencers: shape decisions but are not running delivery
  • Peripheral: contextual influence, indirect impact

Map interest and influence

  • Use a simple grid. High influence does not always mean high interest
  • Note any stakeholders who hold risk or resources

Pick engagement moves

  • Inform, consult, co-create, or partner
  • The goal is realistic involvement, not performative inclusion

What you should have at the end

  • A three layer stakeholder map
  • A short list of who to engage in the next phase
  • A first draft of your engagement approach

Why this matters for the series

When a project stalls, it often comes down to a missing voice or a hidden veto. This map surfaces both. It also improves your Theory of Change later because your assumptions are grounded in real people, not guesses.

Diagram

Engagement Strategy Matrix

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