The importance of being ‘constant’

When illustrating the benefit of sustained stakeholder engagement, we sometimes talk about ‘occasional’ vs. ‘constant’ mates. 

What does this mean? Somewhere in your inner circle of friends and family, there is probably someone who drifts in and out of your life, perhaps only showing up when they need something. You know – ‘Sorry we haven’t seen each other for a while but I was hoping you could help me with…’ 

We sometimes call these people the ‘occasional’ mate. Many people can be frustrated and annoyed by the ‘occasional’ mate.  They can seem disingenuous. 

The ‘constant’ mate however is never too far away. You support each other when needed, you contribute to each other’s well-being and progress, and you both step up in good times and bad. 

Transfer these concepts into stakeholder engagement. Is it relevant whether your organisation or project team is an ‘occasional’ mate or a ‘constant’ mate?  

Consider this hypothetical: an existing organisation begins preparations for a complex development application process to expand their operations. 

They haven’t heard from their surrounding residential neighbours for a while so assume there are no issues or complaints.  

While putting the development application together, a local door knock and perception survey begins to gather views to help form a picture of how the operation and organisation are seen locally. 

The organisation may be shocked to learn that because no one has reached out to the neighbours during continued operations, they aren’t too keen on proposed new expansion plans, and feel like they only get engaged when someone wants something from them.  

Discontent can convert to activism and hostile opposition. Objections to project plans can lead to  project delays and cost blowouts as stakeholders seek more information to fill the gap in knowledge they have experienced for years. 

Would a ‘constant’ mate have experienced this? Perhaps, but the likelihood is much lower.  Communication channels would have been established and been consistent, saving the need to reintroduce the organisation and the project team to stakeholders, and providing more time to introduce the application. 

Just like in our personal lives, being a ‘constant’ mate helps build your relationship.