Executive sponsorship is one of the key factors that can make or break a project's success. It provides guidance, support, and a sense of purpose to everyone involved in the project. Without it, projects can quickly lose momentum and fail to achieve their objectives. As a Strategic Advisor working for Apptio, I often see TBM programs flounder due to the lack of executive sponsorship.  In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the virtues of executive sponsorship, how to identify sponsorship problems, and provide some guidance to address these issues.

Why is executive sponsorship important?

First and foremost, executive sponsorship provides the project team with a sense of direction and purpose. This is particularly important in complex projects where there are many moving parts and different stakeholders involved. The executive sponsor helps to clarify the project's objectives and ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal.

Executive sponsorship also provides the project team with the resources they need to succeed. This can include funding, staffing, and access to technology and other resources. Without these resources, the project team may struggle to achieve their objectives.

Finally, executive sponsorship provides a level of accountability: the executive sponsor is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of the project. They have a vested interest to ensure the project team is performing to the best of their abilities.

Do I have an executive sponsorship problem?

As a project manager or team member, you may have a problem with executive sponsorship if you are facing challenges that can't be resolved at the team level. If you're not receiving the necessary resources, support, or leadership from your executive sponsor, it can be difficult to achieve project success. You may also notice a lack of engagement from the sponsor, which can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings.

Another sign of a problem with executive sponsorship is a lack of alignment between the project goals and the organization's overall objectives. If the sponsor isn't fully committed to the project and doesn't see its importance, they may not prioritize it appropriately, leading to delays, resource constraints, or even project cancellation. Additionally, if the sponsor doesn't have a clear understanding of the project scope or the resources required, it can lead to unrealistic expectations or misaligned priorities.

Finally, poor communication with the sponsor is another sign of a problem with executive sponsorship. If the sponsor is difficult to reach, unresponsive to inquiries, or doesn't provide clear guidance or feedback, it can create confusion and delay progress.

In summary, if you are experiencing delays, resource constraints, lack of engagement, misaligned priorities, or poor communication, it may be a sign that you have a problem with executive sponsorship. A good executive sponsor should be engaged in the program, attending meetings, and providing guidance and support to the team.

So, I have a sponsorship problem, now what?

Who really wants to tell the Executive Sponsor they are not doing their job properly.  Sponsors are generally senior members of staff with many years of experience, so nobody wants to be the bearer of bad news. It is rare that a program team chooses their sponsor, but changing sponsors mid-project has its own risks. You might feel stuck working with the sponsor you have. It’s not all bad news however, as there are some actions you can take to coach your executive sponsor:

·       Start by building a relationship. This can be as simple as having regular check-ins or grabbing coffee together. Building a relationship can help your sponsor understand your perspective and build trust.

·       Be clear about your expectations. Don't assume your sponsor knows what you need from them. Communicate your expectations upfront and set clear boundaries for their involvement.

·       Ensure that the executive sponsor is fully bought into the change program and understands its benefits. This will help your sponsor advocate for the program and stay engaged throughout its duration.

·       Communicate regularly. Regular communication with the executive sponsor is critical to maintaining their engagement. This includes formal program updates and informal check-ins to ensure they are still fully engaged and committed to the program.

·       Involve the executive sponsor in key decision-making processes related to the program. This will help them feel invested in the program and increase their engagement.

·       Ask for feedback. Ask your sponsor for feedback on your work and the project overall. This shows that you value their opinion and can help them stay engaged.

·       Be honest but respectful. If your sponsor is falling short in their responsibilities, be honest about what you need from them, but be respectful and focus on finding solutions together.

·       Celebrate successes! Don't forget to celebrate when things go well! Share successes with your sponsor and thank them for their support.