In private conversations with Project Steering Committee members, the most common question asked is, “Really, why am I here? What are we supposed to contribute? What are we accountable for? How do we act without taking on the project team’s role?” And so on.

Even though, everyday, tens of thousands of competent executives sit in Steering Committee meetings, most are ineffective. They want to know how best to contribute.

This Understanding “Why am I here?” Guide explains the role and implications of being a Steering Committee member.

It is an essential primer for all existing and potential Steering Committee members.

Benefits

Readers of this Guide will understand

1. what the expectations are of them as Steering Committee members
2. what to expect as Steering Committee members
3. their key roles and accountabilities
4. their required affirmation – their commitment
5. what they are accountable for tracking throughout the project.

This Guide leaves executives in no illusion as to “Why they are there” on the Steering Committee.

Who should read

It is designed to help

1. Project Steering Committee members
2. Project Sponsors in their role as Steering Committee members
3. PMOs and others (eg CIOs) accountable for establishing and managing governance structures
4. Boards and Executives to understand the roles of Steering Committees
5. Auditors to understand the roles of Steering Committees.
   
   

Contents

1. A common scenario
2. An uncommon scenario
3. (to) Focus on the project’s ‘desired business outcomes’
4. (to) Focus on making decisions and enabling and supporting success
5. (to) Govern the project manager and team
6. The Steering Committee continuous affirmation
7. The Steering Committee roles and charter
8. The Steering Committee continuous checklist.
   
   

Bonus

The Project Steering Committee Charter
A quick reference guide to the principal role and accountabilities of a Project Steering Committee PLUS the Committee’s Continuous Checklist in a handy format you can take to your steering committee meetings

The Steering Committee Quick Reference Guide
A quick reference guide as to the perspectives and questions to be asked at the four principal stages of a project. What you should be expecting, looking at and asking. In a handy format you can take to any meeting.