Enhancing Liaisoning for Successful Conversations - Learnings and Insights

In our previous blog, we introduced the idea of liaisoning. Over here, we are sharing the valuable lessons we learned that can be helpful for individuals and NGOs as they engage with government officials and stakeholders –

1. Preparation and Alignment:

One common theme in all our experiences is the critical importance of preparation and alignment. Failing to align with your stakeholders' expectations can lead to unsuccessful conversations. It's imperative to ensure that your content, format, and objectives are in harmony with what your stakeholders anticipate. It can set the stage for fruitful interactions.

2. Anticipating Stakeholder Questions and Concerns:

By proactively identifying the likely questions, they can be addressed readily during your conversation and you can instill confidence in your proposals or ideas. This foresight can go a long way in ensuring your objectives are met.

3. Internal Collaboration and Feedback:

Involving your team or colleagues early in the process can provide you with a variety of perspectives and help identify potential gaps in your proposal. This feedback can make your presentation more comprehensive and well-prepared.

4. Adaptability and Learning from Feedback:

Reflecting on the feedback received from your stakeholders is equally important in order to adapt and improve your proposal. Being open to change and actively implementing feedback leads to better collaboration and positive outcomes in future discussions.

5. External Counsel:

In certain situations, seeking external expertise and collaboration opportunities can significantly enhance the strength of your proposal. Partnering with relevant organizations or experts can address concerns raised by stakeholders and boost the credibility of your plan.

6. Transparency and Responsibility:

Being transparent about your intentions and clearly defining responsibilities is vital. Stakeholders appreciate a clear understanding of how the proposed plan will be implemented and who will be accountable for various aspects.

7. Iterative Approach:

The reflections also underscore the value of an iterative approach to stakeholder engagement. Learning from past conversations, recognizing areas for improvement, and proposing changes for the future are all beneficial..

Engaging with stakeholders is a dynamic process that can lead to either success or valuable lessons. These real-world experiences highlight the importance of tailoring your approach, responding to feedback, and building strong relationships. So, next time you engage with stakeholders, remember the importance of preparation, customization, confidence, and [a humble boastfulness] of a track record of delivering quality work, in achieving your goals.  

This is a four-part series on Liaisoning. Read the previous piece on various facets of liaisoning and the following pieces on insights from secondary research and valuable lessons based on the rich-liaisoning experience of the stakeholders.

Meet the authors

Mansi Nema
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Mansi Nema

Mansi ardently believes in being someone whom she needed when younger and this has been her guiding star to work in the education sector. She has been a Young India Fellow and worked in the CSR consulting space before joining the Programs team in ShikshaLokam. She currently works with central institutions to design interventions for enabling education leadership in India.

Bhavya Kukreja
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Bhavya Kukreja

Political science Graduate, Young India Fellow and a Development Professional who strongly believes in the power of education. A coffee lover who loves to read and learn from the experiences of others. Currently, a part of Prograns Team at Shikshalokam. Working with Central institutions and different states for various program.

Khayal Sharma
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Khayal Sharma

Khayal Sharma, a dynamic thought builder, is currently contributing to the education sector as a Programs member at ShikshaLokam. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Rajasthan, Khayal's journey includes a transformative fellowship with Gandhi Fellowship in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, focusing on the Aspirational District Collaboratives program of Piramal Foundation in collaboration with NITI Aayog. Khayal's experience reflects a deep understanding of rural ecosystems and the challenges faced by public systems in rural areas. He aims to contribute to design, strategy, and process improvement, seeking to extract enhanced outcomes while ensuring maximum stakeholder satisfaction.

Vinay R Sanjivi
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Vinay R Sanjivi

With a perennial quest to find out what is 'truth', what is 'right' and what is 'beautiful', Vinay would like to 'do', 'whatever' that requires and travel 'wherever' is required, to 'know' and to 'be'. Vinay currently heads the Programmatic efforts at Shikshalokam to empower Education Leadership to create a learning conducive atmosphere to every child in the country. He is a proud alumnus of Azim Premji University, Teach For India, Goldman Sachs and Andhra Pradesh Social Empowerment Fellowship. He would love to retire as a Teaching School Leader.