What is a key benefit of stakeholder alignment in planning?

A key benefit of stakeholder alignment in planning is that it leads to fewer conflicts and improves schedule realism. When all stakeholders are engaged and their interests and expectations are aligned from the outset, misunderstandings and disagreements can be minimized. This alignment ensures that everyone has a clear understanding of the project goals, timelines, and resource requirements, which ultimately contributes to a more realistic and achievable schedule.

By fostering cooperation among stakeholders, the planning process can become more efficient, allowing for smoother execution of tasks and increased likelihood of meeting project deadlines. Additionally, aligned stakeholders are more likely to support the project and contribute positively, further reducing the potential for conflict and enhancing the overall project delivery.

This alignment contrasts sharply with options that suggest negative impacts, such as increased costs, reduced scope, or higher turnover rates, which would not typically arise from effective stakeholder alignment. Instead, the focus on collaboration and shared objectives paves the way for better project outcomes.