Organizational Readiness, Executive Sponsorship

Setting up your project governance structure is a well-known step in any project, particularly large-scale transformations. Most of our clients understand and are well prepared for this kick-off step. Where the struggle can sometimes arise is the continued engagement of executive sponsors as the project progresses and other priorities arise. A well thought out project team, with a qualified Product Owner and subject matter experts, will move most projects forward toward success. However, complex decisions, policy adjustments and risk mitigation strategies need the input of an engaged Executive Sponsor.

Establishing a cadence for regular engagement is key. In most instances, a written weekly status report coupled with an alternating week, mandatory, touchpoint will suffice. It seems a simple strategy because it is, without doubt, however, these tasks are some of the easiest to get too busy for which sets up an entire project for delayed decisions and missteps. Your product owner will need help in making big decisions and will need to be backed up by their Executive Sponsor when schedules and outcomes start to inevitably veer off course.  

Providing this engagement structure and advising both parties on key priorities is a major component of the VSTI-Partners delivery strategy as even the simple things can weigh heavily on the ultimate success of any project.