There is a mountain of information talking about the relationship between the project manager and team members. Granted, this is the main human resources dynamic within the project management discipline! Much of the project manager’s time is spent working with project team members to make sure the tasks are understood, the tasks are being done, and that the different work packages are merging together per the project plan.
But what about the relationship between the project manager sponsor of the project? How important is the relationship to the success (Or failure!) of the project?
Clearly the relationship between the project manager and the sponsor is as if not more critical than the relationship between the project manager and team members! Why?
Because it is a reflection at a higher level of the type of things a project management must do for project team members. In other words, get barriers out of the way, supply resources when needed and supply a helping hand and encouragement to move the project forward.
This reflection at a higher level though is more complex because the sponsorship dynamics connect right into the leadership group of the organization. The sponsor’s role is not just a figurehead or ornamental but needs to be functional in order for resources and support be available to project manager, team and ultimately for the project’s success!
In some cases the project manager will have to remind the sponsor that they are indeed a functional part of the project, one of the team members and a major stakeholder! What steps should the project manager take to engage and secure the support of the project sponsor? More on that in later installments!
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