I assess their personality and motivations first so I know how to approach getting what I need from them (ie. requirements, a decision, resources, clarification). Understanding human motivation is the key to knowing how to influence and negotiate with someone. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Sante has a good response. It's important to evaluate the audience and adjust accordingly. Because of the profession we are in, most of us are already interested in determining needs, helping, making happy, and steering others down the right path. Of course, it doesn't mean there are not some big bumps to navigate. Saving Changes...
They should show you the benefits of the project. Show them the impact of not doing the project. Empower them by making them active participants throughout the project Saving Changes...
Assuming they are truly interested in the success of the project then help them understand how their behavior impacts the project success and how it makes you feel. Sometimes even executives aren't self-aware to see the impact of their actions.
If they are wearing the sponsor hat but aren't committed to the project, it begs the question of whether the project is worth doing at this moment, and if it is, can you apply good risk management practices to contain their behavior.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Anish AbrahamPrivacy Program Manager| University of WashingtonAuburn, Wa, United States
I agree with my colleagues.
I think communication is the key here, so I would try to understand their needs/expectations by talking to them regularly and will try to influence their behavior. Saving Changes...
Alok AnadkatSenior Project Manager - Consultant| IBM CanadaMilton, Ontario, Canada
Here are some of the tips in dealing with difficult sponsors :
Establish the relationship with your sponsor well in advance, be in touch him even when you don't need him or her. Keep him in loop for important matters, so when you need him/her, he will listen to you.
Come up with upfront understanding with your sponsor on what are his expectations.
Also, sometime, sponsors are not aware of their own responsibility. Generally speaking, they are the one who have the authority on financial approvals, resource allocations, next line of escalations, decision makers on few things. Therefore, some time commitment is expected from the sponsor. So to make him aware of his role and responsibilities is critical. If your sponsor does not have time, you can suggest him or her to delegate the responsibilities to someone else.
