In today’s article, we explore a project sponsorship from the perspective of an executive sponsor.
As an executive sponsor leading major transformations, you are likely familiar with the pressures that come with the role. Yet, much of the attention in project management circles tends to focus on project managers and their teams. This imbalance leaves sponsors like you grappling with a range of challenges, often without the necessary resources or guidance.
The Struggles and Solutions
Reality #1: The Capability Gap — Navigating Sponsorship Without the Right Skills
Many sponsors are expected to step into this pivotal role without formal training or preparation. You may find yourself unclear about what your role as a sponsor truly entails. Perhaps you wonder whether your strategic direction aligns with the project team's needs or if your interventions have the intended impact.
Solution: At NexGen Innovation Consulting Ltd, we offer a Mastering Project Sponsorship masterclass which provides in-depth training on best practices, empowering you to navigate your role with confidence and ensuring you remain aware of blind spots that could undermine project success.
Reality #2: The Invisible Barriers — How Hidden Gaps Impact Sponsorship
Another struggle is that many sponsors remain unaware of their own blind spots. Research from the Project Management Institute (PMI) highlights a disconnect between how sponsors and project managers perceive the effectiveness of sponsorship, creating blind spots that hinder project success. Without external feedback or the right frameworks, you may not realise your approach is ineffective or misaligned, leading to missed opportunities and miscommunication with your project teams.
Solution: At NexGen Innovation Consulting Ltd, we offer a Sponsor Scorecard to assess your current sponsorship capabilities and identify gaps. Using the scorecard, you can discover how you score against high-performance sponsorship indicators and articulate a plan to level up your capability to sponsor business change initiatives and inspire teams.
Reality #3: The Capacity Crunch — Too Many Priorities, Too Little Time
One of the most significant challenges facing executive sponsors is capacity. Juggling your day-to-day responsibilities alongside project oversight can feel overwhelming. Are you struggling to give your project the attention it deserves? When you are stretched thin, critical issues may be overlooked, leading to delays and misaligned objectives.
Solution: To help you manage your time effectively, we provide Fractional Transformation Consulting and Project Stewardship services. This service allows you to delegate detailed project oversight to a trusted partner, ensuring you stay engaged without feeling overwhelmed. With this support, you can focus on strategic decision-making while your steward handles the day-to-day complexities.
Reality #4: The Leadership Strain — Balancing Strategic Vision with Execution
The best sponsors actively engage in guiding their projects, but balancing your strategic vision with day-to-day execution can be exhausting. You need to know the ‘what’ and ‘why’ while also helping your team navigate the ‘how’. Do you feel confident in your ability to strike this balance, or do you sometimes find yourself too disconnected from the details?
Solution: Our 1:1 Expert Support offers tailored guidance based on your specific needs as a sponsor. With dedicated advisory services, you can receive personalised insights to strengthen your leadership approach and ensure alignment across your team.
Conclusion: Ready to Overcome the Hard Realities of Sponsorship?
If the challenges of capability gaps, capacity overload, and leadership strain resonate with you, it is time to invest in your role as an executive sponsor. By focusing on both your skill development and the resources you need, you can lead projects that deliver real, measurable value.
Are you ready to handle the hard realities of project sponsorship with confidence and clarity? Join our Mastering Project Sponsorship online masterclass today to gain the insights and strategies needed to drive successful transformations.
You can find out more about the masterclass by watching this 3mins introduction video:
Alternatively, contact me and let us discuss a more tailored approach to meet your specific challenges and elevate your sponsorship performance.
Comments