How can sponsors help improve a project outcomes?

1 Role of a sponsor

A sponsor is not the same as a project manager, who is responsible for planning, executing, and controlling the project activities. Instead, they are more like a mentor, providing advice, coaching, and advocacy. A sponsor's role includes defining the project scope and objectives, securing necessary funding and resources, communicating the project vision, providing direction and feedback to the project manager and team, reviewing and approving deliverables and changes, celebrating achievements, recognizing the team, and evaluating outcomes. All of these tasks must be aligned with the organization's strategy and stakeholder expectations to ensure quality standards are met.

2 Benefits of a sponsor

A sponsor can help improve a project's outcomes by increasing the likelihood of success, reducing the risk of failure, enhancing performance, improving collaboration, and boosting morale. This is accomplished by ensuring the project is aligned with the organization's strategy and stakeholder needs, providing the necessary resources and support, identifying and mitigating any potential issues, setting clear and realistic expectations , monitoring progress and results, fostering a positive relationship between the project manager and team, facilitating effective communication and coordination, acknowledging contributions, and celebrating achievements.

3 How to identify a sponsor

When looking for a sponsor for your project, it's important to identify someone who has a vested interest in the project outcome, as well as the authority, influence, and credibility to make decisions and allocate resources. They should have the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide strategic direction, guidance, and advice to the project manager and team. To identify a sponsor, review the project charter or business case to identify key stakeholders affected by or involved in the project. Analyze the stakeholder power, interest, and influence matrix and prioritize those with high power and high interest in the project. Consult with senior management, the project team, and other stakeholders for their recommendations or nominations for a potential sponsor. Finally, select one or more candidates who meet the criteria for a sponsor and verify their availability and suitability for the role.

4 How to engage a sponsor

A sponsor should be engaged throughout the project lifecycle, from initiation to closure. To engage your sponsor effectively, it is important to establish a clear and mutual understanding of the sponsor's role and responsibilities, as well as your expectations and needs from them. Develop a regular and consistent communication plan with your sponsor, updating them on the project status, achievements, issues, and risks while seeking their feedback and input. Additionally, it is essential to involve your sponsor in key project decisions, changes, and reviews; ensure they approve the project deliverables, milestones, and closure; and appreciate their involvement and contribution to the project. Moreover, you should seek your sponsor's advice, guidance, and support when facing any challenges or difficulties; leverage their authority, influence, and network to resolve them; and acknowledge their role in the project success.

5 How to empower a sponsor

To empower your sponsor, you should provide them with relevant and accurate information, data, and reports to monitor and evaluate the project performance and results. Additionally, you should educate your sponsor on the project methodology, processes, and tools used to plan, execute, and control the project activities and deliverables. To ensure your sponsor can provide strategic direction, guidance, and advice to you and the project team, equip them with the necessary skills and competencies. Additionally, enable your sponsor to communicate and collaborate with senior management, the project team, and other key stakeholders. Finally, encourage your sponsor to share their vision, insights, and learnings with you and the project team to inspire them to achieve the project goals.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?