Can Project Sponsors Do More Harm Than Good?

  PM Network  

Friend or Foe?

Corinna Martinez, PMP: I find the bigger challenge to be when the sponsor over-manages, rather than being indifferent, particularly when they see it as “their” project.

David West: That is definitely a problem. But if you’ve got someone trying to micromanage the project, you can work with them. You can say, “This is my job, and this is what I need you to do.” And when you deliver, you build the confidence of the sponsor.

An indifferent project sponsor is a much more difficult illness to cure. Many project managers struggle with getting enough time with their sponsors.

Ms. Martinez: Having an indifferent sponsor is like having no sponsor at all. If sponsors are too busy and project managers can’t get time to talk to them, I recommend project managers camp out—take their laptop and work in the lobby outside the sponsor’s office, if need be, until they can get an audience.

At that point, project managers have to reestablish communication and keep the channels open. Obviously the sponsor hasn’t understood that the project manager needs to talk to them on a regular basis. The project manager needs to respect the sponsor’s time, but also show that he or she needs the sponsor’s time.

Mr. West: The project manager must communicate the effects that the sponsor’s indifference…

Please log in or sign up below to read the rest of the article.