Whats a Stakeholder, Anyway?

The term ‘stakeholder’ is in almost every LinkedIn post or corporate report I read these days:

• “We are building on our unmatched strengths to unlock its #FullPotential and deliver long-term growth that benefits all of its stakeholders.

• ”We will adhere to our high-quality development principles and keep striving to provide long-term value to all our stakeholders.”

• “We help pharmaceutical companies, providers, and other stakeholders get life-changing therapies to patients who need them.”

I call B.S.

Just saying ‘stakeholder’ might make it sound like you’re considering everyone in your ecosystem, but it won’t pass muster to drive your business strategy. The inherent tension between these groups is what drives innovation.

These stakeholder groups already have a primary representative in your C-suite!  

Go deeper. Ask harder questions. Lean into the inherent tension between stakeholder needs (that’s where innovation happens.)

In a world where transparency matters, don’t obscure your good work with catchall terminology.

Here with you,

Dora