The Project Book

PART IV STEWARDSHIP

In the navy, the Chief Steward’s job is to supervise the operations and maintenance of the galley and living quarters of both officers and crew while at sea. This is a great metaphor for our projects, because as soon as they’re ‘launched’ it’s the project sponsor’s job, on behalf of the ‘officers’ or executive team, to ensure that the project remains aligned to its business case while ensuring that the ‘crew’, or project team, has everything it needs to keep the ship afloat.

Unfortunately, most project stewards resemble characters out of The Love Boat or Carry on Cruising. Well-meaning and nice people, but often ill-equipped to deal with the job in hand and frequently resorting to inappropriate actions or behaviours.

Providing project stewardship means more than chairing meetings well and actively listening to what you’re told. It’s about being a role model for others to follow, caring wholeheartedly about what the project is trying to do and recognising the role of every member of the team in their successes. It’s about being clear on what’s important for the organisation, providing others with opportunities for development, keeping it simple, and adding a healthy dose of inspiration and humour when it’s needed most.

A sponsor must become a leader to provide effective stewardship of projects. Leadership isn’t a given just because ‘leader’ is included in your title or job description. Taking a leadership course won’t make you a leader either, I’m afraid. ...