At the start of every project, hopes are always high. Expectations will be exceeded. Deliverables will be timely. Customers will be amazed with the end result and zealously recommend potential clients.
Unfortunately, that is not always the case. There are times when projects go horribly off kilter. Timelines are missed, products or services do not live up to the customer’s vision and realization of success dwindles, creating a threat to customer relations and, even more damaging, the reputation of a business.
What consistently yields a positive outcome to projects of all scopes and sizes? The answer is far less of a what and more of a who. The true advocate for a project, and the gatekeeper of a project’s heroic success or dismal failure – is a project champion.
So What Is a Project Champion?
The project champion is the person within an organization implementing a project who takes on the burden of ensuring everyone involved is on board and behind the ultimate success of the project.
They are responsible for:
- Identifying a project’s strategic objectives.
- Working with the project team to ensure the vision for the project is successfully translated into the requirements and solution design.
- Critically analyzing and ensuring best practices.
- Identifying and eliminating obstacles that may threaten a project’s viability within the organization itself.
- Prioritizing project phases based on value.
- Relaying timely updates to all managers and client contacts impacted team members.
- Appropriately allocating and organizing internal resources to ensure the successful completion implementation or adoption of a project.
They don’t take “no” or “I don’t have the time” for an answer. They keep everyone’s eyes on the prize that represents the successful implementation of this project.
A project champion is the unfeigned, authoritative and, at times, veracious champion of a project.
A bona fide project advocate, a project champion is typically a member of senior management or critical expertise that strengthens a project’s value by adding formidable experience to the mix. Accurately and efficiently delivering project success.
Seven Traits of a Project Champion
1) Qualifications and aptitude to understand all elements of the project.
2) Capacity to meet and exceed expectations of management.
3) Ability to motivate and inspire a team to buy in and become engaged in the project’s success.
4) Finesse to negotiate with all parties to ensure project success.
5) Exceptional problem solving abilities and the resourcefulness to defeat obstacles.
6) Superior organizational talents, and a knack for keeping team members on track.
7) Stellar communications skills, keeping all project stakeholders aware and engaged.
A project champion greatly reduces the likelihood of project failure. On the front lines of any project, and in direct communication with the entire team at all times, the project champion is the protector of a project. A critical sentry devoted to delivering a victorious project that thrills management.
Once one project or stage is complete, the project champion leaps into action to get the next one rolling – a hero in the lifecycle of project management.
Champion Photo via Shutterstock
Katie Bahr
I agree that a project champion is a necessary role that must be fulfilled in order for a company to successfully complete a project or systematic change. I also think that the seven traits Chris lays out for what it takes to be a successful project champion might be hard to find in one person. In my experience, some leaders are very good at inspiring their followers to push forward through challenges, but they might not be as successful at solving problems or staying organized. I think that, while a project champion with ALL of the traits described above would be the ideal person, we should not discount other leaders who might also be able to help take on a champion role, without fulfilling all of these traits perfectly.
Ayana Rochee
As a contractor that has been employed as a PMA, Project Manager, and Program Analyst, I understand and truly value having a champion on-site. A champion is an advocate of sorts that keeps your project, budget, and/or initiative relevant. They are usually in rooms you are not pushing your initiative or program forward. Not having one can be the end of your project or cause of reductions in budget or change of scope.
Jessica Walczak
Project champions are a vital to the life of the project. I like the term ‘advocate’ used to describe the project champion. Someone whose only prerogative is making sure that the project has everything it needs to be completed on time and on budget. I think it is an important distinction that the leader does not have to be the project champion. Someone who is closer to the ins and outs of the project may be a better fit. After looking at what a project champion does, I am left wondering what type of person makes for project champion. What professional experience would someone want to see in a candidate when looking for a project champion?
Arturo Mancilla
A project champion is someone that is always required in organizations when there are difficult things to achieve. Someone from the team has to step up and make things happen while leading the way. The hardest things to find in a company are precisely the ideal candidates for project champions. However, I also believe that a trait that is missing happens when the project champion is missing. Moreover, there should be someone else that he or she has previously coached and trained so in absence of the person another leader can step up and make the team work together.
David Wright
The article is an interesting article in that it references some of the characteristics required to be a successful project manager. However, it fails to take into consideration the practical undercurrents of an organizations’ structure regarding the intrinsic humanistic and cultural norms adopted by the company. The way in which an organization relates to its’ members as well as the reputation that the organization has developed throughout its’ existence. These are important factors associated with the success or lack thereof for the “project champion”. These are factors that can and will limit the range and scope of the project managers ability to get things done in a way that fluidly moves his or her ideas forward.
Brandon Beech
This article is very interesting in how they are in talks of what it means to be a great project manager or in their words a project champion. With being a project champion in this article its discussed to be the person that takes on the burdens of getting everyone involved with the project on the same page to ensure a successful project. To me I see that these seven traits to be a successful project champion can transform project managers to another level with being more successful.
Kamari Hunter
As we look into important traits of a Project Champion, the first aspect that Miles points out is that they should have the correct qualifications and be one who understands ALL elements of the project. In order for a Project Champion to lead their team towards its highest potential, I believe that they should have experience in as many areas of Project Management as possible. Having such experience will allow them to truly understand all elements of the project. In turn, this will increase the effectiveness of motivating, solving problems as well as keeping the team on track towards success.
Mary
Starting a project often goes with anxiety and fear of the unknown despite high hopes. However, overcoming fear opens doors to great heights. If results are beyond expectations, success stories’ pages keep turning unless nature strikes like the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the globe’s health and economy since late 2019 to present.
“When you enter the range of 40 to 70 percent of all available information, think about making your decision… never wait too long, never run out of time” (Yoest, 2017, p. 107).
From leadership experience so far, the possibility of carrying everyone on board for championship seems unrealistic. Of course, there would be opposition group and those who take longer time to come on board. I agree with Professor Yoest that, 40 to 70 percent key support to move forward and exceed expectations while keeping an eye on the remaining 30 percent or more taking their time to come on board.
Reference
Yoest, J.W. (2017). The Memo: How the Classified Military Document That Helped the US Win WWII Can Help You Succeed in Business. Nashville, NY: Post Hill Press
Julie J
Project champions serve as liaisons between project team members and management. Often projects start with enthusiasm but later fail at the implementation or post implementation stage. Project champions serve an important role in any organization because they engage the right people to assist with bringing the change vision to life. The role of project champion is often taken on rather than given by senior management. Therefore, project champions may or may not have the authority to make change happen.
Michael A. Harris
The functions of a project champion is as important as the person behind the role. More times than not, an individual takes on the role or is given the role but lacks the leadership necessary to deliver in an appropriate way. I’ve witnessed cases where this was true, however the project did not suffer due to the leadership surrounding the would-be champion. In most cases, the make-up of the project’s team outweighs the sole champion.
DeAndre' M. Baker
While I agree with all seven of the project champion traits, I can’t say that I agree with all of the outlined responsibilities. To echo the sentiments of previous commentators, I think it depends on the structure of the organization and the dynamic of the project and the project team.
A project champion can be a powerful asset to a project manager if utilized properly, but if mismanaged, it can lead to scope creep due to a lack of change control and oversight. In my experience, I have witnessed both weak and strong matrixed projects become lost and chaotic due to a lack of oversight in these areas. Simply put, the project team didn’t know who was calling the shots, because project champions could not be distinguished from the project manager(s).
It all boils down to two things: responsibility and ultimately, communication. Enforcing best practices, relaying timely updates, and translating the project vision are all acceptable responsibilities for a project champion, but reallocating resources, prioritizing project phases, or eliminating risks borderline infringes upon the integrity of the project, its schedule, and deliverables; Ultimately these are things that the project manager will be held accountable for.
Yes, having highly skilled and intuitive individuals leading teams to complete project work and advocate the success of the project to stakeholders is a large asset, however that power should come with limitations. I also believe it’s possible to have multiple champions on a project, usually at each phase or sometimes one for each work package.
Emily Rollo
The most significant traits of a project champion are numbers 5 and 7 listed above. In order for project champions to be successful and guide organizations through change and resistance, they must have effective communication skills. These cannot be learned overnight. Project champions develop communication skills through research and study, as well as through trial and error. Every organization needs different forms of communication, and it is on the leader to determine what communication is effective and necessary. Leaders who want to be project champions need to understand this. I have seen sports team captains fail at communicating with their teammates, which leads to further issues on the team. Additionally, the second most important trait of a project champion is the ability to overcome challenges and problem-solve. The most effective leaders are the most adaptable ones. They recognize issue and find ways to be better. Stubborn and closed-minded individuals cannot be project champions. It is reality that all teams, organizations and companies will face challenges, so it important to have leaders who can overcome them in the most effective way for the entire organization.
Robyn Smith
Reading this makes me wonder if there could be a champion who possesses all of these traits. Because the champion role is one that is appointed, could it be that one could grow into this role? We all need someone to monitor resources, be an expert in communication and relay information to stakeholders and workers, but the traits themselves seem incredibly dynamic for one person. That’s a lot of weight. Could two people serve as champions? I also strongly believe that the responsibilities and traits would vary greatly depending on the type of team and the scope of the project. But perhaps this was just an outline and not an exact model for what a project champion would look like.
Kevin M
The project champions are often the bridge between the completion of a well done project and the members within a group. whether it is a smaller grade school project or a large corporate project we can often see this type of person step up among the group. They understand what needs to be completed, by when it needs to be completed, and the limitations the group may have. The project champion above most all else must be an effective communicator. When working with a team communication is one of the first steps of establishing a clear direction and the project champion is usually the catalyst for this.
Marina Pontes Oliveira
While the responsibilities of the stated project champion are indeed great, why not simply add those to the project manager? As per my understanding s/he holds it to begin with anyways. Great PM’s are responsible for making sure that all involved are committed and working towards the ultimate goal, even in matrixes or functional structures. In these cases, s/he has the responsibility to coordinate with the other managers priorities and staff. Great leaders are inspiring and have their teams onboard, whether they are project managers or not. I feel that adding this extra individual could lead to confusion between staff members regarding who’s responsible and who’s decisions to follow.
Briana Z
A project champion is deeply devoted, invested and one would hope, voracious concerning its success. I’ve seen comments referring to the champion as a facilitator, liason, an advocate, etc based on project context and role within the group, especially when differentiating the champion from the leader or manager. I believe we can also add sponsor, and to a slightly lesser degree, mentor to the list. Taking into account the various qualities and skills this project champion must have – engaged, dedicated, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, supportive, high-performing, experienced, respected, influencer, org culture expert, protector – this ideal project champion sounds to like a hero indeed.
However, I have had the privilege to meet a small number of individuals who have displayed the 7 project champion traits above, and while I may feel the responsibilities section blurs the line between project manager and project champion, I agree these individuals can be integral to a project’s success.
Alexis Wilder
I like this idea of a project champion and the notion that knowledge and people skills combined together create an unstoppable successful force, but I have trouble believing that although this formula may work far more often than it does not, that it may not be foolproof or the best option in all cases. Regardless, I think a project champion is like an experienced salesman. They know about the items they have to sell but they also have to know how to sell it. Nobody just wants to know about anything but they also must have their heart captured to be swayed to buy what it is you are selling. You sell the emotional piece and the tangible good and you win. The project champion has the same responsibility. They must bring about success by what they know and show people they know while also selling the emotional piece for employees to buy in and also be a part of the successful process.
Henry Jiang
Great article, Prof. Yoest. A theme I see in the seven traits of a project champion is that he needs to know how to talk to and empathize with people (people skills). A project champion should be able to motivate, inspire, communicate and organize others with elegance and finesse. Unlike what I often see, it is not simply enough to have someone who can sit atop the hierarchy and bark orders at the people below. A manager who only talks to employees when he needs something is hardly a project champion. A project champion is a person of authority who cares about the whole employee, and not just the work that he brings.
Praise Carson
In reading this article and thinking back on all that I learned from this class, it revealed to me that there is no way that anyone can be a “perfect” leader, everyone can have this information at their finger tips, but no one can do all of these things at the same time. Sometimes you have to remain on organized and sometimes you have to focus on problem solving. In some moments you have to focus on building rapport with your employees and other times you have to correct and be the leader. All of these things make a good leader, but then some people are just not good in some areas, everyone has their areas of expertise, and so they can not be perfect in all areas.
I like the idea of a project companion because I have been a part of many things were everyone involved is not as passionate as others or feel that they belong in the group. I think the companion can bring light to why everyone’s job is equally important and why everyone’s work leads to the success of the entire organization.
Anna W
When starting a group project we have all probably had a similar experience. Gathering around the table looking at each other waiting for the first individual to jump in. Where do we start, what are the first steps? This is where I would say a Project Champion emerges. Having a project champion can ensure that a task is completed in a timely manner and makes sure the rest of the team is on track. It seems as though a project champion would have a deep sense of pride in the work that is being completed where their name will also appear. The difference between a project champion and a manager is that a manager is known to have a sense of power within the hierarchy. However, a project champion can be anyone. They don’t have to have an assigned position to lead. Whether we recognize it or not project champions are what fuel the fire to get work done and done correctly.
Kira Newburn
This article incorporated some very helpful insight. Critically analyzing, ensuring best practices, identifying and eliminating obstacles are three traits mangers should seek. Encompassing those practices will enable any team member to become a Project Champion. More supervisors should take notes from this article in order to engage employees to be Project Champions. It begins with the company; it is a must that management exemplify appreciation. Showing the employee that they recognize them going above and beyond the extra mile. Demonstrating how the company appreciates the time, hard work and efforts that have pave the way for the changes made would be a nice incentive.
Anna W
When starting a group project we have all probably had a similar experience. Gathering around the table looking at each other waiting for the first individual to jump in. Where do we start, what are the first steps? This is where I would say a Project Champion emerges. Having a project champion can ensure that a task is completed in a timely manner and makes sure the rest of the team is on track. It seems as though a project champion would have a deep sense of pride in the work that is being completed where their name will also appear. The difference between a project champion and a manager is that a manager is known to have a sense of power within the hierarchy. However, a project champion can be anyone. They don’t have to have an assigned position to lead. A project champion likely has gained the respect from their peers as they lead and is looked to to have answers when there is an unknown.
Nick Sisto
Really insightful context about the Project Champion and their role. The points drive home the multifaceted tasks the Project Champion needs to represent. The “who and what” framework highlights the need for the Project Champion to sponsor the project in all the ways that might be needed. It should not be a figure-head role, it should be a decision maker within the confines of the project. Being the “face of the project” helps to extend the Project Champion’s experience, temperament and attitude to the initiative itself. Understanding that the “project can fail” and having contingencies ready, “up front” to the extent possible can ease any “ill-will” associated with issues that surface. No doubt something unplan will need to be managed.
The most effective Project Champions avoids “explaining the issue”. The Project Champion can’t make excuses, blame internal and external forces, etc. Knowing that it can happen, building time, resources and planning for them not only better manages expectations but if contingences are not needed, the project can exceed expectations. This is where the Project Champion may be able to take risks or be more aggressive in the plan. The latitude works both ways with a good Project Champion. I’ve not seen too many projects that exceed their deliverables but having a solid “command and control” system in place, a credible and consistent communications plans turns project stakeholders into shareholders.
Rachel K
I was horrified when I first read this article – if I were a project manager I would NOT want someone with their nose constantly in my project and in direct contact with my team and in between me and management! However, I can also see that having an extra person who acts as a true advocate of the project, would be great to have on board if they had PM experience – hopefully their experience would teach them not to overreach and hopefully they would understand their own role clearly. The champion’s liaison role with management and stakeholders seems very useful, because you cannot have too much help in the internal politics department, especially if things get delayed in some way – an ally (someone on your side but not necessarily on the inside of your team, and so viewed as more objective…) would be extremely helpful to keep everyone focused on why the project is worth the wait, and worth the effort.
Jean S.
A project champion is a much more glamorous title to refer to a project manager. I agree wholeheartedly with the identification of a project champion to shepherd an idea or plan from start to finish. This role is vital and ensures the project can be successfully implemented and deployed across the organization. It’s important for this individual to be communicative and swift at responding to problems with the end goal in sight. When implementing change, leadership should always name a project champion so that no one loses sight of tasks that need to be completed and the action items needed to finish the project.
Antonia Hawkins-Johnson
An interesting read, it seems the project champion this the middle man. The person in between the project manager and staff. This position will always hold the most weight on ones shoulders. Successfully implementing orders from the project manager all while translating requirements and solutions designs to the staff/team for the perfect outcome of a project. Communication, knowledge, best practices and patience are a few of the main ingredients to possess for the position to run smoothly. The seven traits of a project champion are essential, however, this should also include being a positive image to the team: “walk the talk”, displaying a versatile management style, setting the tone for the team and adapting to different managerial settings.
Justin K
This article thoroughly explains the roles and responsibilities of a project champion. Project champions possess many characteristics that help them in leading, overseeing, and executing projects successfully. They tend to be able to see the big picture and use multiple perspectives to help make the best possible decisions. Project champions are usually the most well-informed and have a certain conviction when yielding positive outcomes. The article discusses the importance of a project champion and that they don’t take “no” for an answer. They find ways to not only get the job done, but do it at a high level. Lastly, like many effective leaders, project champions are the first to give praise elsewhere when successful, but also willing to take the blame when a project fails.
Austin Larson
The Project Champion is the vital element to the managers task force. It is easy for a team that has a great culture to lose sight of the goal, which is why a project champion is necessary to ensure the task is done. While the culture may be perfect, the tasks still need to get done and be effective. Communication plays a big part in the project champions role because everyone on the team must be informed about the task at hand. When there is miscommunication or none at all, the team is constantly questioning their decisions and also lose sight of work that is higher on the priority list. Overall, everyone needs a project champion on their task force to ensure that tasks are getting done effectively and timely
Bethel Michael
This article is extremely interesting and I completely agree! A project champion is essential for the successful and timely completion of any project. The article gives a clear description of all the traits a project champion must carry and out of the traits listed I believe communication is the biggest key to success. Communication is the root of a successful project because without proper communication, direction to employees, or clear explanation of requirements error can occur in the early stages of a project.
Mauro Quercia
I found this article very interesting and helpful for future projects. I believe it gives clear and understandable expectations of the role of a project manager, a person who, above all, needs to be as clear as possible when communicating what the project is about, the expectations, people’s roles, timelines, objectives and goals, as well as possible obstacles that the team may face. To me, a manager needs to communicate all of this effectively and make it understandable and reliable for the rest, as this is the most important thing from a manager.
David Moon
I like the fact that a stellar project champion has stellar communication skills. Knows when to explain key details and when to hold details close to the chest. This is also true in my profession you have to say and communicate well with students in order to get them going and be strong in verbal and non verbal details of certain assignments. Teacher’s are undervalued, overworked, and underpaid. Yet we are the project champions trying to get young scholars to take an interest in learning. It is a different project each year because each class is different every year. Teachers are the best at project management, we plan for short term and long term goals. Try manage a small budget, to reap large rewards on the project. The true project champions are literally not to far away from your local school.
Most teachers have all these traits superior organizational talents, and exceptional problem solving skills.
Christian Walker
The project champion is a well-versed individual that gets the job done. One of my takeaways from this article is that, in my experience, I have only encountered a true project champion twice. Those people met the qualifications and traits that were listed above. The most important qualities that stood out to me were communication, the ability to inspire, delegate, and overall qualifications. With these traits alone, you have a great team member that can become a project champion. As the bridge between the project and the team, they must know what must be done and when. So they must also have the vision to see ahead and to reach for it. Also, their ability to work with people cannot be understated because people risk is the most common theme that will cause the success or failure of a project.
Jake Moss
I think the article gives a great background and lays the ground work as to what makes for a successful project champion. Someone who keeps all significant parties on task with no preconceived notions or any sort of favoritism to one portion of the task at hand or person. If said project champion partakes in a situation that challenges the integrity or overall efficiency of a given project or task their role and value to the organization significantly decreases. Ultimately a project champion is someone who can wear many hats and is proven to be a motivator and someone who can bring the best out of coworkers and colleagues but all manage with a tight ship mentality in an effort to complete the job on time and to the best of the groups ability. A project champion who represents all these ideals will no doubt be successful in the eyes of upper management and thus increasing their level of credibility within an organization. Which was my biggest takeaway after reading through this article which was very informative.
Marybeth Osazuwa
After reading the project champion article, I gained a deeper knowledge and much insight in regard to what a project champion’s responsibilities and duties consists of. It gave me a deeper understanding and a great perspective on the importance of a project champion’s role within an organization. As the article states, a project champion is in charge of analyzing and figuring out best practices, identifying project objectives as well as providing managers and clients with necessary updates. These are all necessary responsibilities a project champion needs to maintain throughout the work environment daily, as it allows the organization to function well and successfully.
Marybeth Osazuwa
After reading the project champion article, I gained a deeper knowledge and much insight in regard to what a project champion’s responsibilities and duties consists of. It gave me a deeper understanding and a great perspective on the importance of a project champion’s role within an organization. As the article states, a project champion is in charge of analyzing and figuring out best practices, identifying project objectives as well as providing managers and clients with necessary updates. These are all necessary responsibilities a project champion needs to maintain throughout the work enviornment daily, as it allows the organization to function well and succesfully.
Richelle A Torres
I believe a project can still be done without a project champion, however, as per experience, a project champion helps ensure that everyone involved is on board on the success of the project. Project champion is the one who oversees and is responsible for the outcome of the project. He/she is committed, devoted and knowledgeable, or an expert, that he/she knows the process from inception to implementation to its end result. Furthermore, project champion should have the authority to direct the project and makes the final decisions, if need to. He/she makes sure that both the organization and the project’s objectives are still aligned and achieved.
But then again, I do not agree with the author’s final statement that after a project is done, then project champion will just ‘leaps into action to get the next one rolling.’ Follow up should be done in order to have the changes be effective, and that employees are not left hanging after the project’s completion. Project champion should confirm that the changes are deeply embedded to the employees that it is now safe to tag the project as a success and move on to the next.
Elizabeth Cabral
I really enjoyed your article. I think you brought up some interesting points about a project champion. Project champions take it upon themselves to ensure the team’s success. They do this by checking in with the team and stakeholders and keeping team members accountable for their actions. I loved how you discussed that “they don’t take ‘no’ or ‘I don’t have the time’ for an answer.” This shows that they look beyond the basic questions that can be answered yes or no and instead look for lasting solutions. This strategic thinking is necessary for a team to implement the project and overall strategy successfully.
Victoria Barros
I enjoyed reading this article as it reinforces traits that I see in myself with managing a project or ones that I don’t even think about. These traits are also ones that I see in my peers when working on a project with a tight turnaround in time to meet. Project champions are essential and there is always that one that seems to serve as the project champion. It is important for the project champion to keep things moving and follows up on their team and holds them accountable. A project champion also takes the risks of things perhaps falling through the cracks but they become a leader to their small or large team of followers. I appreciate the value in the project champion as “they are the protector of the project.” It is a great way to define their role. I look forward to using these traits outlined in the above article moving forward in my position.
Colin K
I agree that it is really important to have a project champion within a group. Someone who can lead, take initiative, and hold people accountable determines the success of a project. However, in order to be effective at leading a successful project, you do not need to be unfeigned, authoritative and, at times, veracious champion of a project.” There are tons of different leadership styles that can do a great job of holding people accountable. It is also depends on the employees or the team members. The project champion or leader needs to meet their needs, and connect with them on an emotional state in order to keep the team in line. I also think there are more characteristics and traits of a leader who can be very effective, and those traits can be unlimited. It all depends on the traits and behaviors of the follower. If team members do not want an authoritative leader, then a project champion may not be a successful leader.
Caitlin F
A project champion can be very important to a project’s success. As I was reading the article I think it’s important to note that a project champion is not a project manager. The author distinguishes this, but I would be curious to see if it could be the same person or if the author’s intention is for it to be someone different. Many of the traits listed about the project champion align with the duties of a project manager, but it seems the project champion has a more supportive role. I think an important attribute about a project champion is that they need to advocate for the project as well. As said, many projects fail to meet initial expectations, but project champions working well with the group and the project manager can help projects succeed.
DT
As a small business owner with a background in business development and a graduate student in management, I especially enjoyed reading this article. If you work for a start-up or own your own company, your work will include managing a number of projects simultaneously. Reflecting back on my experience, I realize that the constant across all of the successful projects that I have been part of was that they had a project champion (whether it was someone else or me). I enjoy project management because I know that once I complete a project, I will be working on something different. This allows me to grow and learn new things that I can carry into the future. A project champion is essential to project success so any team that undertakes a project should first identify who the project champion is and ensure that the project champion possesses the seven traits listed in this article.