Regardless of levels of interest and support across institutions and organizations, issues of status quo, politics, and turf are present. Everyone is human and envisions and pursues things differently.
Two of the biggest challenges when encouraging the support of stakeholders typically are territorial and competition issues. Writing a propsal, especially one that is federally funded, can have the connotation of academic grandiosity. There is some level of praise and applause that comes with winning any size grant and that can create an air of competitiveness and, in some cases, envy among departments and colleagues. As a result, some stakeholders are reluctant to buy in and some coworkers resist participating or collaborating. Here are some strategies to overcome these challenges.
Share the Wealth with Collaborators
While it is important to advocate for your own office, it is also important to share the wealth. It is essential to emphasize the collaborative aspect of the grant and to show stakeholders the many ways in which their participation would be beneficial to them. Also, assure them that the credit, including publicity, accolades, and marketing are evenly split and equally shared among all collaborating institutions, departments, and offices. Describe how the idea is different than previous strategies and tools, and how it borrows from the best of those models.
Another issue relates to working with various individuals across different institutional settings. If your project is being held at your campus, it is important to be diligent to include your partners from other universities in the planning process. One strategy, if possible, is to go to visit your partners at their institutions. This is a wonderful opportunity to work together on their turf! It takes substantially more time and effort to establish rapport and buy-in with those not at your institution.
Align Project Goals with Your Institution's Strategic Plan
Make sure you are aware of and, if possible, are aligned with initiatives currently being implemented at your institution. In this situation, stakeholders’ acceptance is not an issue because they are already engaged in this topic in some way. If the project is an advocacy outlet for your department, then it is also one for your stakeholders and that is what you have to sell.
Outreach to Decisionmakers
Reaching out to key, higher level administrators, especially having them participate, can open doors and minds across campus. This representation gives the project the “legitimacy” that those who are negative or reluctant often need before they acquiesce. Consider establishing an advisory committee of individuals who were either recommended to you or who voiced support at state, regional, and national conferences. They also serve as a great source of feedback when the project is completed and being evaluated.
Outreach to Students
Never forget that students are one of your best resources. Whether it is a possible internship opportunity, extra credit, community service, or they are just interested, there are students that are willing and able to participate and be of assistance. Consider utilizing all students in a variety of majors, international and U.S. students alike. If students are involved, then the service departments will follow. The service departments and students can help pull in the administration and the administration brings in the faculty. Suddenly all the players and components are in place. At times it can seem like a game of strategy, but it is one worth playing.
