What is the initial step in developing a stakeholder engagement plan for a project?

The initial step in developing a stakeholder engagement plan is to identify personnel. This foundation is crucial because understanding who the stakeholders are is essential for any engagement efforts. By identifying the stakeholders, project managers can determine their interests, influence, and level of involvement in the project. This allows for a structured approach to engaging with these individuals or groups effectively.

Once stakeholders are identified, their needs and expectations can be understood more clearly, which will inform the subsequent steps in the engagement plan, such as prioritizing their influence on the project and developing tailored engagement strategies. Without a solid identification of stakeholders, it would be challenging to engage effectively or to create a plan that addresses the needs of all involved parties.