Focus on People
Your Change Project: Does it
have a Real
Project Sponsor
or just a Paper Tiger?
have
Project
or just a
Software implementations are a demanding challenge in which the human factor is crucial. The organizational change management is therefore essential for the smooth running and success of the project. However, the necessary change in human behavior and corporate culture is a difficult task for which a project sponsor with a strong and present presence is indispensable. Unfortunately, in many companies, the appointment of a responsible person is all that remains on paper.
Software Projects: Mainly Organizational Challenges - and Less Technical
Most managers have come to realize that IT projects today are largely organizational rather than technical undertakings. However, this does not automatically mean that your managers know what contribution they can make. And that they have a clear idea of what tasks they have to do.
The project sponsor plays a very important role in your software project. The way he or she fulfills this role can really make a difference in the end. It is therefore very important to find the right person with the right skills for this role. You also need to make sure that this person is well prepared for the role.
Some Practical Tips for Efficient Project Sponsorship:
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All employees must know who the project sponsor is
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It is important that the project sponsor is reachable and has enough time to devote to the project
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He or she selects the final project name, which is ideally linked to the overall strategy of the company
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He or she takes responsibility for the kick-off meeting, is present and explains in simple terms the “why” of the project
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The person checks whether the “Why this project” message has been received, understood and heeded in all departments
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He or she ensures that he or she is always informed about the project progress and about minor disruptions
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The project sponsor makes decisions if discussions unexpectedly take too long
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The project sponsor brings colleagues who behave disruptively and try to block progress back on track
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He or she is ultimately responsible for the success of the project
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If the project doesn’t go right, the project sponsor is the person who sleeps badly at night
Real Project Sponsoring or just a Paper Tiger?
Is your company about to implement new software or carry out a major software upgrade? If so, you should make sure that you appoint the right person as project sponsor, who has the appropriate skills and takes the above tips to heart. However, if the sponsor for your project is just a paper tiger, this missed opportunity will cost you a lot of time, money and energy!
