Project Failure Files: Moving Forward Without a Sponsor
In Episode 29 of the Project Failure Files weekly webcast, our focus was “The Importance of Having a Champion or Sponsor,” in which Sharon and I focused on the critical role that a project champion or sponsor plays in securing the success of any project. Champions or sponsors are key figures, often senior leaders or influential stakeholders, who advocate for the project, secure necessary resources, and help navigate organizational politics. Without their support, projects can struggle to get off the ground, face difficulties with resource allocation, and run into roadblocks that can ultimately derail progress. We discussed how having a dedicated sponsor ensures that the project remains aligned with broader business goals and stays on track.
We also shared real-life examples of projects that failed due to the absence of a strong sponsor or champion, highlighting the challenges of resource constraints, miscommunication, and a lack of high-level guidance. These projects often faced delays, budget overruns, and misalignment with strategic objectives. The lessons learned from these failures underscore the importance of identifying and engaging champions early, keeping them informed, and involving them in key decision-making processes to maintain momentum and support throughout the project lifecycle.
Finally, we provided strategies for effectively engaging with sponsors, from ensuring regular communication and transparency to leveraging their influence to clear roadblocks and secure additional resources when needed. By fostering strong relationships with project sponsors, teams can significantly increase their chances of success, ensuring smoother execution, faster issue resolution, and stronger alignment with organizational priorities.
Enjoy the episode!
Be sure to tune in next Monday, January 6th, 2025 at 9am Pacific for Episode 30 of our weekly series as Sharon and I discuss “The Art of Estimation and Planning.“ Hope you can join us on LinkedIn or YouTube.
