Great opening on the importance of stakeholders. Although experience is needed when you engage with org's that have a very hierachical and disseperate, sometimes even enemy like leadership layer, that wants to save and manifest their priviliges and power. It all depends on the organizational development level you encounter. Many other things can be necessary before a programm including exec sponsors can be established. Educating, showcasing, prompting by peers and assisstents, indirect influencers and other methods help a lot in convincing senior management. Happy evangelizing. Alex T.
Microsoft