Securing support from the project sponsor
Securing support from a project sponsor is another important factor for any project to succeed. The business analysis process and the Business Analyst play a vital role in securing confidence and trust with the project sponsors. Business analysis involves defining the requirements, designing the solution, communicating, validating the solution, and training activities so that they are well positioned to access and identify project impacts. They can act as the eyes and ears of the project sponsor. The project sponsor often depends on project managers and Business Analysts for all key decision-making. Just like gaining confidence and trust from subject matter experts (SMEs), project team members, and super users, we have to gain the project sponsor’s confidence and trust too. One of the most important activities is to keep the sponsor in the loop at all times.
As a Business Analyst, you can gain project sponsors’ trust and confidence by assisting them with information and the decision-making process. This is possible through good planning and communication. Let’s outline what you should be doing to help the sponsor:
- Present information accurately and concisely at the appropriate level.
- Issues are bound to arise, so be prepared with the information and facts to facilitate smooth decision-making.
- At each stage of the project, provide a summary of the business analysis work while highlighting achievements and any risks.
- As a key resource, be prepared and provide recommendations with pros and cons.
- Be truthful, transparent, and courageous to deliver unpleasant information. Be able to say “No.”
Gaining confidence and trust will help Business Analysts navigate business analysis work smoothly, efficiently, and productively. This will help the project team and you, as a Business Analyst, in areas such as the following:
- Resources availability for SMEs and other project resources
- Timely decision making
- Provide direction – define the scope, prioritize requirements, and so on
- Influence escalations, resolve conflicts, and motivate
