What is a Steering Committee [PURPOSE AND ROLES EXPLAINED]

Summary

This video explains the essential roles of a steering committee in project management, highlighting its importance in decision-making, issue resolution, approvals, and providing status updates. Comprised of senior executives, the committee ensures projects align with company strategy and offers support by removing roadblocks and approving key documents. The presenter emphasizes the necessity of regular updates to keep the committee informed and engaged. With practical examples and insights, the video encourages project managers to leverage steering committees for project success, concluding with a free checklist to aid in effective project management.

Takeaways

• 😀 A steering committee is typically composed of senior executives who support the project by approving necessary decisions and removing roadblocks.
• 😀 Projects need a steering committee to ensure alignment with the company's strategy and to handle issues beyond the project manager's control.
• 😀 The primary role of the steering committee is to make strategic decisions that affect the project's direction and technology.
• 😀 Project managers should present all relevant information to the steering committee to facilitate informed decision-making.
• 😀 Not all issues should be escalated to the steering committee; only significant roadblocks that the project team cannot resolve on their own.
• 😀 The steering committee is responsible for approving and monitoring key project elements to ensure they align with the organization's strategy.
• 😀 Regular status updates are crucial for steering committees to stay informed about the project's progress and challenges.
• 😀 Steering committees help maintain project alignment with strategy, particularly when organizational strategies change.
• 😀 Providing updates to the steering committee helps them make better decisions on escalated issues.
• 😀 Checklists and additional resources can help project managers prepare for effective steering committee engagement.

Q & A

What is a steering committee?

A steering committee is typically composed of senior executives who support a project by making crucial decisions, approving necessary actions, and removing roadblocks to ensure the project remains on time, within scope, and on budget.

Why are steering committees important for projects?

Steering committees are important because projects are often linked to a company's strategy. They help resolve issues that project managers cannot, ensuring executive support and alignment with strategic goals.

What types of decisions do steering committees make?

Steering committees make decisions aligned with the organization's strategy, such as approving changes to the project's vision or technology, especially when the project team identifies discrepancies.

What should a project manager do if they encounter unresolved issues?

If a project manager encounters issues they cannot resolve, they should escalate these issues to the steering committee, as it comprises executives who can address higher-level challenges and remove roadblocks.

What role do steering committees play in approving and monitoring project aspects?

Steering committees approve and monitor key project elements to ensure they align with the organization's strategy and to keep the project on track amidst changes.

Why are status updates important for steering committees?

Status updates are important because steering committee members are often busy executives who may not be involved in day-to-day project activities. Updates keep them informed, enabling better decision-making.

What should a project manager provide to the steering committee?

A project manager should provide the steering committee with status updates, escalation of unresolved issues, and any necessary approvals related to project fundamentals, ensuring alignment with strategy.

How can project managers ensure effective communication with the steering committee?

Project managers can ensure effective communication by preparing concise updates, outlining pros and cons for decisions, and clearly escalating issues when necessary to keep the committee engaged and informed.

What is a key takeaway about the relationship between project managers and steering committees?

A key takeaway is that while project managers handle day-to-day operations, steering committees are essential for making strategic decisions and providing executive support throughout the project's lifecycle.

What should project managers do if they want to establish a steering committee for their projects?

Before establishing a steering committee, project managers should utilize available resources, such as checklists, to understand the necessary elements for successful project management and ensure they are prepared.