How to overcome frustration with difficult stakeholders How to overcome frustration with difficult stakeholders Share Business leaders today have a myriad of very different types of stakeholders to deal with. The other day, I spoke with a client who is closely working with about 70 different stakeholders from very different groups: industry associations, government bodies, community groups, service providers, clients, team members, colleagues, bosses and investors. The sheer number means that they have to be very strategic about building relationships. In practice, this hasn’t been always easy, as not every stakeholder is waiting to support their projects and goals. Contradicting priorities, lack of interest in their topic or minor forms of resistance make it sometimes a bit frustrating.