📈 Engagement Level Progression
flowchart LR
U["😶 UNAWARE
Doesn't know
about the project"]
R["😠 RESISTANT
Aware but opposed
to the project"]
N["😐 NEUTRAL
Aware but neither
supportive nor opposed"]
S["😊 SUPPORTIVE
Aware and in favor
of the project"]
L["🌟 LEADING
Actively engaged
and championing"]
U -->|"Inform"| R
U -->|"Inform"| N
R -->|"Address concerns"| N
N -->|"Demonstrate value"| S
S -->|"Empower"| L
R -.->|"Can regress
if ignored"| U
S -.->|"Can regress
if neglected"| N
style U fill:#f5f5f4,stroke:#78716c
style R fill:#fef2f2,stroke:#dc2626
style N fill:#fef3c7,stroke:#b45309
style S fill:#dcfce7,stroke:#16a34a
style L fill:#dbeafe,stroke:#2563eb
📋 Detailed Level Breakdown
Level 1
😶 Unaware
Doesn't know the project exists or its potential impact on them.
Characteristics
- No knowledge of the project
- Cannot form an opinion yet
- May be surprised by changes later
PM Strategy
- Identify them early (stakeholder analysis)
- Communicate project existence and purpose
- Explain how the project affects them
- Move them to at least Neutral quickly
Level 2
😠 Resistant
Aware of the project but opposed to it or its outcomes.
Characteristics
- Actively or passively opposes the project
- May spread negativity or block progress
- Often fears change or loss of control
PM Strategy
- Understand their concerns (listen first!)
- Address fears with facts and empathy
- Involve them in decisions where possible
- Find common ground and shared benefits
- Don't ignore them — they won't go away
Level 3
😐 Neutral
Aware of the project but neither supportive nor opposed.
Characteristics
- Indifferent — "not my problem"
- Won't actively help or hinder
- May become resistant if negatively impacted
PM Strategy
- Demonstrate how the project benefits them
- Keep them informed with regular updates
- Invite participation in relevant decisions
- Show quick wins to build momentum
Level 4
😊 Supportive
Aware and in favor of the project and its outcomes.
Characteristics
- Positive attitude toward the project
- Willing to help when asked
- Provides resources or political support
PM Strategy
- Keep them engaged and informed
- Leverage their support for influence
- Ask them to advocate to others
- Don't take their support for granted
Level 5
🌟 Leading
Actively engaged, championing the project, and influencing others.
Characteristics
- Proactively advocates for the project
- Influences other stakeholders positively
- Removes organizational barriers
- The project's biggest ally
PM Strategy
- Empower them as project champions
- Give them visibility and recognition
- Use them to influence resistant stakeholders
- Keep them in the loop on key decisions
📊 Power/Interest Grid
↑ High Power
Keep Satisfied
High power, low interest. Keep them happy and informed but don't overwhelm with details. Can become blockers if dissatisfied.
Manage Closely
High power, high interest. Your most important stakeholders. Engage actively, communicate frequently, involve in decisions.
Monitor
Low power, low interest. Minimal effort. Keep informed via general communications. Watch for changes in power or interest.
Keep Informed
Low power, high interest. Provide regular updates. They can be great advocates. May gain power over time.
← Low InterestHigh Interest →
💡 Exam Tips
The Stakeholder Engagement Assessment Matrix shows current vs desired engagement level for each stakeholder. The gap tells you where to focus.
Engagement is continuous. It's not a one-time activity — reassess throughout the project.
Resistant ≠ enemy. PMI wants you to understand and address concerns, not ignore or overpower resistant stakeholders.
Not all stakeholders need to be Leading. The goal is to move each stakeholder to the level needed for project success.
Salience Model classifies stakeholders by power, urgency, and legitimacy. Know it exists but Power/Interest grid is more commonly tested.