Question: Reluctant Project Sponsor

You are on the phone with the project sponsor of a $2 million project you are managing. She informs you that she accepted the role reluctantly, and now, one month into this eight-month project, she is considering withdrawing as project sponsor. She does not see the need for this role and is extremely busy with her other responsibilities.

Review Questions

1. What is the role of the project sponsor?

2. What might be the impact on the project if you attempt to proceed without a sponsor? Is it likely that some project tasks would need to be done over if a new sponsor is appointed?

Critical Thinking Questions

1. If you are unable to persuade the sponsor to remain on the project, should you enlist the help of the project champion? How might you do this in such a way that you do not appear weak and ineffective and avoid creating hard feelings with the current sponsor?

2. After speaking to the project champion, you and she both agree that the current sponsor should be replaced with someone new. What characteristics, traits, and experiences would you look for in a new sponsor?