Most projects are about implementing some type of change. This change will need to be adopted by the organization in order to be a success. Changes are often lead by Change Leaders and the skill set to make a change stick are among the softer skills of a project sponsor. We have all experienced good sponsorship and sponsorship which needed improvement. Matching the project sponsor to the project manager and the project is crucial for the project's success. We have discussed previously the 5 key responsibilities of a project sponsor, but let's expand upon the softer skills of the project sponsor.
The main role of a project sponsor leading a change effort is to assure expectations are understood by stakeholders and to hold people accountable to achieve the outcomes. This holds true whether the sponsor is an executive, mid-level management, or a front-line manager.
The Key Qualities of a Project Sponsor
- Truthful Realism - The rose colored glasses should be removed. If there are problems, they should be transparently managed. The truth should be told, not the truth with a lot of marketing spin.
- Leadership by Example- Implementing a change should not be a do as I say not as a I do mentality. If the sponsor is asking for a get out of jail free card on the new process it will not be adopted. The sponsor should lead by example being the first to truly adopt the change.
- Reinforcing Changes- The sponsor should be able to maintain the change over time by reinforcing behaviors and implementing monitors. For example, implementing bedside medication scanning Is a great accomplishment, but having a control process which monitors the entire hospitals scan rates by service will be helpful. Having the CNO discuss with the nurse managers the process and have accountability cascaded through goals will assure the desired results are achieved.
The Take Away
The project sponsor often depicts the softer skills of a change leader. When implementing change, it is a good idea to have a change leader at the helm.Subscribe and Share!
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Welcome to the Healthcare IT Project Management Blog of Elyse Nielsen. This is the place where I share the ideas I have learned, the things I’d like to remember, and my thoughts for a brighter future. Find out more.
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