Summary of Succeeding with Senior Management

Executive Backing

Project managers know they need the support of their company’s senior leaders, but many admit they don’t know how to obtain it. Most top executives think about strategy and their organization’s overall needs, but they may lack interest in the details of the projects they approve. At the outset, senior managers take a hard look at which projects their businesses should undertake and make strategic choices and investment decisions. But, once they decide to pursue a project, they feel they’ve done their job, and they hand the undertaking over to a project manager for implementation. They choose one executive as the project’s sponsor, and that person remains the only senior person with continuing interest in the project.

When the French army under Napoléon Bonaparte began its march on Russia in 1869, it had 400,000 soldiers. By the time the army returned, it had shrunk to fewer than 10,000. Most projects begin like Napoléon’s invasion of Russia – with acclaim and support. After the project launches, it often faces problems and dwindling support.

The Executive Perspective

Project managers need...