Project Management Companion

The relationship between Project Managers and Project Sponsors is a critical one, often there are significant challenges in new sponsors getting to grips with their role in shaping and supporting their projects. Do not underestimate the value in forming a productive working relationship with a project sponsor. It can be a challenging prospect for project managers, as sponsors are often time poor who are set in their ways of working, which can cause friction in how a project is delivered. Whilst the sponsor may be accountable for the benefits, the responsibility of delivering the project always rests with the project manager — as does the responsibility of setting the tone on how the relationship develops. Establishing a relationship with a new sponsor can be particularly fraught. New sponsors have never been in the role before and indeed may have little or no understanding of what it takes to deliver a successful project, let alone understand the weight of the role they will p

Without good communication, very little of quality can get completed, as it is the foundation of a strong and healthy relationship, partnership or friendship. In particular, within the realm of Project Management it is the way projects work as well. For without good communication things can become over complicated. Even with an airtight project plan, it will be difficult to achieve the first milestone without proper communication management. Project communication is the process of identifying key information that will be shared with team members and stakeholders throughout a specific project. This includes listing out stakeholders and identifying team members that will be on project communications. It’s key to outline out how communication recipients will receive project updates, the frequency they’ll receive it, as well as the points during the project they’ll receive it. As the project plan is developed, the communication plan should also be developed along with it so eve