Strive to understand where the sponsor feels they are succeeding and needing to improve (hot buttons)

The successful project manager understands the product technology pertinent to their project; however they also know that, at its core, project management is a “relationship business.” We do need to understand the tools of our PM trade, we need to fully understand our area’s processes, and we have to ask the right technical questions to be sure we are producing the right product in the most efficient manner. This all falls by the wayside if our relationships with our highly matrix oriented team members and our sponsor are not sound and strong.

The best way to develop that relationship  and receive the support of a very busy sponsor is to know what is important to them. “Feeding” them in ways they need feeding is the most efficient way to do this. Through discussions with the sponsor or others around your sponsor, determine what they feel is going well in their organization, and what areas of improvement they are seeking. Tool your project objectives and risks around these areas, highlighting how your project will positively affect those areas of the sponsor’s business or how risks might jeopardize them. That way you will keep relevant in the eyes of the sponsor and you are more likely to get the time and effort you need from that stressed individual that is the “accidental project sponsor.”

Bob McGannon is a Founder and Principal of MINDAVATION, a company providing project management services, leadership workshops and team building programs throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East and Australia. Bob can be reached at MINDAVATION via the web at WWW.MINDAVATION.COM or by calling 866-888-MIND (6463).

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