Weekly Roundup: Success is Driven by Project Ownership
Reflecting on What this Week Taught Us About Executive Sponsorship
If you were to ask a Project Manager “what’s one thing that is most likely to improve your chance of success” I’m willing to bet the answer will be Executive Sponsorship.
That’s probably because the most important variable that causes project failure is not poor planning or poor execution, its a lack of ownership and accountability.
That’s been our focus this week: understanding the role of the sponsor, the project manager, and the PMO in ensuring ownership of outcomes never falls into a void.
This Week’s Highlights
🎙️ Project Management Matters Ep. 7: Trevor Nelson
Trevor shared his journey in project management, from lessons learned in the early days to insights on leadership and transformation. A candid look at how experience shapes the way we lead projects and people. ▶️ [Check it out here]
📰 Can Accountability Be Delegated?
Spoiler: yes, but only if you don’t care about the outcome. Here’s why sponsors can delegate responsibility, but never accountability. 📖 [Read here]
🎥 CtrlAltPMO Ep. 27: When Sponsors Actually Show Up
Good sponsorship means no micromanagement, but engaged ownership at the right moments. ▶️ [Watch here]
📰 Who Holds the Sponsor Accountable?
The PMO can’t own accountability, but it can shine a light on it. A look at governance, visibility, and influence. 📖 [Read here]
🎥 CtrlAltPMO Ep. 28: When the Sponsor Disappears
What a PM can do when the executive who should own the outcome is suddenly gone. ▶️ [Watch here]
3 Signals From the Week
Sponsors can delegate tasks and delivery, but never accountability.
The PMO acts as a mirror: it doesn’t carry accountability, but it makes sure leaders see it.
When sponsors disappear, PMs can keep momentum alive, but they can’t own outcomes.
Your turn: What’s been your experience in dealing with effective executive sponsorship?
Reply with your take and feel free to forward this to a friend/colleague.