Common Mistake: “I’ve Done Stakeholder Analysis—Why Do I Need to Do the Key Role Map?”
Common Challenge: Overlooking the Action Side of Stakeholder Engagement
Quick Summary
Stakeholder analysis tells you who’s affected. A key role map tells you who needs to do what to make the change successful. When change practitioners stop at analysis, they often miss a critical opportunity to clarify roles, build accountability, and activate the right people at the right time.
The Challenge
Stakeholder analysis identifies influence and interest, but it doesn't define responsibility. Without a key role map, change leaders may assume everyone knows their role—or worse, that roles don't need to shift. This leads to confusion, gaps in execution, and missed opportunities for engagement.
Why It Matters
In every change, there are people whose behaviors must change, leaders who must model the way, and groups who must sustain the transformation. The key role map breaks these roles down, names them explicitly, and links each role to the actions that support adoption.
The LaMarsh Perspective
In the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model, the key role map is a bridge between stakeholder analysis and execution. It defines the who, what, and how:
Who will lead and sponsor the change
Who must change behaviors
Who supports communication, training, and reinforcement
Who might block progress—intentionally or unintentionally
How-To Solution
Start with Your Stakeholder List
Use your stakeholder analysis as a foundation for identifying key roles.Define Critical Roles
Map out roles like sponsor, agent, advocate, target, and resistor—and what actions each must take.Clarify Expectations
For each role, specify the behaviors, decisions, and support required.Identify Gaps or Overlaps
Watch for role overload or role confusion. Address it early.Use the Map as a Communication Tool
Share the map with project leaders to align expectations and responsibilities.
Pro Tip
A stakeholder list tells you who’s watching. A key role map tells you who’s working to make the change happen.
Wrap-Up & CTA
Stakeholder analysis and key role mapping work hand in hand. One shows the landscape; the other guides the journey. With the LaMarsh Managed Change™ Model, you gain tools to turn awareness into action.
👉 Want to learn how to build an actionable key role map? Register for our next Managed Change™ Workshop or Contact us for advisory support.