Strategic Stakeholder Engagement

''Practitioners face major barriers in getting their voice heard. I have considerable experience of the formal and informal processes involved when engaging with decision-makers in government and other key influencers, and I have developed strategies that work. Writing this book enables me to share my experiences and insights with public relations practitioners and related professionals so that they can become more effective influencers''. Chris Anastasi, Author. 'Society today has given voice to many diverse views. People and institutions expect to have a voice in issues that affect their government, their society and their lives. Successful institutions, both public and private, need to find ways to speak to these diverse and (sometimes) competing views such that all stakeholders feel their positions and opinions have been fairly and fully considered. This book gives excellent guidance based on examples of successful stakeholder engagement programs and the experience of leaders who have been successful in effective stakeholder engagement.' -- Bill Coley CBE, former President of Duke Power and CEO of British Energy 'Many CEOs and FDs struggle to appreciate the real value of stakeholder engagement. They find it hard to envision what effective stakeholders can achieve for the bottom line in opportunities realised or pitfalls avoided. They should read this book to understand how crucial a focused campaign can be to commercial success. The case studies are illuminating on what works and what not to do. They depend on building trust and relationships based on strong ethical standards. There are lessons here for the private sector in delivering value for money and the public sector in wrongly assuming a government relations function is not needed. It is. Most importantly, there's an understanding of the hands-on role of a Company's leaders in the stakeholder dialogue and building credibility. This is a team effort. The other key audience for this book is Government Affairs professionals. Those running, or setting up, these departments will find the step by step guide to a targeted programme invaluable. Chris Anastasi describes to audiences to target, the many tiers of influencers that shape policy, the importance of galvanising wider support, and above all a focused approach to securing opportunities and managing risks. The case studies show how tangible value can be measured and delivered, Government relations professionals can use this unique book as a benchmarking resource or a template for success. It plugs a gap in the field of stakeholder relations.' -- Robert Armour OBE, Deputy-Chair NuGeneration 'Never before has it been so vital for business to ensure that its side of the story is properly told and understood. Chris Anastasi has written an invaluable practical guide to strategic stakeholder engagement.' -- Sir Adrian Montague CBE, Chairman Aviva 'As Energy Adviser to the Welsh Government I am happy to endorse the basic premise of this book which is the importance for successful developments of well-structured and actioned strategic stakeholder engagement. In a UK context it is interesting to reflect on the stress by the UK Government on the four new industrial strategy grand challenges. These cover the widespread use of artificial intelligence; modernised mobility, healthy ageing and clean growth. With all these sectors, effective stakeholder engagement is vital and includes the huge variation of stakeholders from individual consumers to pension funds looking to invest GBPbillions for secure long term returns. The only sensible way to do this is to adopt a very professional and well-researched approach which normally involves the commitment of significant resources. Chris' book, based on his front-line experience in the energy field and in depth case studies covering a very wide range of circumstances, provides an excellent overview for anyone who is interested in understanding the complexity of the issues and the core elements essential for success. In his book Chris does stress the importance of a clear story as the basis for a successful engagement strategy, whoever the targeted stakeholder. This importance, along with leadership can not be over-stressed: points which Chris makes well, once again illustrated through the use of diverse real-life case studies.' -- Professor Ron Loveland, Energy Adviser