Mapping Connections: A Leadership Practice for Long-Term Programme Development
By Julia Braunegg
A few weeks ago, I participated in a job shadowing experience focused on long-term training programme (TC) planning at Via Experientia in Lithuania. I joined meetings to organize frameworks and content for international training programmes, networked with stakeholders like balticSKILLS, Gyvas ryšys, and Vilniaus Kolegija, and engaged in experiential team development activities. But the most profound lesson? Effective long-term programme development isn’t just about content—it’s about understanding and mapping the network of people and organizations that bring that content to life.
This experience inspired a practice to help leaders build strong, sustainable programmes: The Stakeholder Network Mapping Exercise.
The Stakeholder Network Mapping: A Practice for Programme Development
1. Identify Key Stakeholders
List all individuals and organizations involved in or affected by your programme.
- Include participants, partners, funders, and other relevant actors.
- Categorize them by their role and level of influence.
- Note any gaps or missing connections.
From the Job Shadowing: This draws on the networking with stakeholders in the adult education field and meetings with colleagues to discuss approaches and methodologies.
Leadership Skill: Strategic Thinking – Leaders who identify key stakeholders can better align their programmes with the needs and resources of their ecosystem.
2. Map Connections
Visualize the relationships between stakeholders.
- Use a diagram to show how stakeholders are connected.
- Identify strong ties, weak ties, and potential bridges.
- Look for patterns in how information and resources flow.
From the Job Shadowing: This aligns with the insights into how to develop and run a successful international long-term training programme and the experiential activities for team development.
Leadership Skill: Systems Thinking – Leaders who understand the web of relationships can design programmes that leverage existing connections and build new ones.
3. Plan Engagement Strategies
Develop a plan for how to engage each stakeholder.
- Determine the best communication channels for each group.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration and co-creation.
- Consider how to safeguard the physical and emotional well-being of all involved.
From the Job Shadowing: This reflects the competences in programme development, communication with participants, project management, budgeting, logistics, and team development.
Leadership Skill: Stakeholder Management – Leaders who proactively engage their network build stronger, more resilient programmes.
Why This Matters for Leaders
Long-term programme development requires more than just good content—it requires understanding the ecosystem of stakeholders and how they connect. The job shadowing taught me that when leaders take time to map their networks, they create more sustainable and impactful programmes that truly meet the needs of their community.
Leaders who practice this approach:
- Build stronger partnerships (by understanding the landscape),
- Create more relevant programmes (by engaging the right stakeholders),
- Foster sustainability (by leveraging existing networks).
The next time you’re planning a programme, try this: Map your stakeholders. Understand their connections. And build a network that supports your vision.
What would change in your programme development if you started with a map of your stakeholders?