Introduction
Despite fulfilling similar roles, there is a significant difference between stakeholders and project team members.
As the name suggests, project team members are individuals who are directly involved in completing a certain project. Their actual job may vary, from managers to engineers, programmers, designers, and many more. Combined, they bear the responsibility of moving a company closer to its short-term and long-term objectives.
Discussion
Comparatively, a stakeholder is any party that is interested in, or influenced by, the completion of a project (“What is a stakeholder in project management?,” n.d.). To be a stakeholder, it is not necessary to participate in its direct completion, or even be a part of the company involved. As a whole, a stakeholder is a much wider category, encompassing shareholders, employees, leaders, managers, clients, and even the government, in some cases (“What is a stakeholder in project management?” n.d.). The two groups are similar in wanting a project to be completed and benefitting from its success, but different in their specific connection to it.
Taking on the role of the project manager, I find it necessary to give my team members a voice, and an ability to directly affect the workflow according to their needs. Managerial flexibility and trust in one’s subordinates can be key to transformative and engaging leadership. By being able to give employees a certain level of power, a manager makes them feel more valued and empowered.
Conclusion
In my own project management, I would give the project team members the power to determine goal completion timeframes (keeping in mind the overall project deadline), assemble teams, delegate responsibilities, and discuss approaches. When given the capacity to do what they do best, workers will be able to fulfill their responsibilities faster and experience professional fulfillment.
References
What is a stakeholder in project management? (n.d.). Versatile & Robust Project Management Software | Wrike. Web.