Stakeholder

Pronunciation: STEYK-hohl-der
Origin: A 20th-century term combining "stake," meaning an interest or investment, and "holder," meaning someone in possession.

A stakeholder is any individual or group with an interest in a company or project. This can include employees, investors, customers, suppliers, and the broader community. Engaging stakeholders effectively is critical to ensuring buy-in, minimizing risks, and achieving shared goals.

For example, communicating openly with stakeholders during a product launch can build trust and address potential concerns.

Example Usage:
“In our quarterly review, I emphasized the importance of aligning all stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of our new project.”