How should we manage a stakeholder who has high power but low interest?

Managing a stakeholder who has high power but low interest is crucial for project success. In this context, the correct approach is to "watch" this stakeholder. This means keeping an eye on their activities and influence, ensuring that they remain satisfied and informed but without overwhelming them with unnecessary information. Since they wield significant power, neglecting to monitor them could lead to unforeseen challenges, even if they aren't currently showing much interest in the project.

The strategy revolves around the understanding that while their level of interest may be low, their power can affect the outcome of the project. Thus, it’s essential to keep them "watched" and informed of any major developments that may change their interest level. If they do become more interested, proactive engagement strategies can then be employed.

In contrast, the other options suggest different levels of involvement that might not align with this stakeholder's characteristics. For instance, directly engaging them may waste resources and create unnecessary pressure, as they are not currently invested in the project. Similarly, simply informing them could overwhelm them without aligning with their interests, while monitoring or "watching" provides a balance of oversight without excessive interaction.