Building Trust with your Sponsor
- Namita DSilva
- Oct 7, 2024
- 2 min read
In my experience as a Change Leader leading global transformation programs, there is often one aspect that is either overlooked or most often taken for granted; and that is sponsor trust.
I've seen some of the best change managers and program managers fall into the trap of "well, I'm doing the work and I'm giving my sponsor what they need" so trust will build automatically. This couldn't be further from the truth.
Exemplary change practitioners, program managers and the like - take deliberate, measured and tactful steps to build sponsor trust over time. It's a relationship you have to keep at the forefront of your mind and in today's article I delve into exactly how to do it.
1. Build Predictability
Your sponsor needs to know they can count on you to keep things on track, and provide them with a clear picture of the good, the bad and the ugly at a moment's notice. So it's your job to build that predictability in the rhythm of your relationship.
How to Do It:
Set Regular Meetings: Schedule consistent check-ins to provide updates and discuss progress.
Be transparent: Keep your sponsor informed about the project status, including any changes or issues.
2. Deliver on Time (and Communicate When You Can't)
Timely delivery demonstrates competence and commitment, maintaining momentum and credibility. You want to focus on critical deliverables that align with the sponsor's priorities.
How to Do It:
Manage Expectations: Set realistic deadlines and ensure the sponsor is aware of them.
Advance Notice: If delays are inevitable, communicate them as early as possible with reasons and revised timelines.
3. Talk About Resistance, A Lot
Don't shy away from the tough conversations about resistance. These are inevitable during seasons of transformation. Come prepared with options for support and use your sponsor's unique insights and influence to help address it.
How to Do It:
Identify Early Signs: Keep the sponsor informed about any resistance or pushback from stakeholders.
Seek Advice: Ask the sponsor for their perspective on how to overcome resistance.
Collaborative Solutions: Work together to develop strategies to address resistance and get buy-in.
4. Meet your Sponsor where they are
The sponsor's needs and expectations drive the project's success. Meeting them ensures continued support and engagement from them.
How to Do It:
Regular Check-Ins: Ask the sponsor if their needs are being met and if there are any adjustments required.
Feedback Loop: Create a mechanism for continuous feedback to understand their evolving needs.
Align Objectives: Make sure your actions and project goals align with what the sponsor values most.
5. Stay Future Focused
Think long term - always, while executing on near term. This strategy will never steer you wrong.
How to Do It:
Strategic Discussions: Regularly discuss the future impact of the project and how it aligns with the organization’s goals.
Proactive Planning: Develop plans for future phases of the project and potential follow-up initiatives.
Building Sponsor Trust is Essential
So there they are - five ways to deliberately focus on building sponsor trust. Remember that the energy you put into building trust will help you move through challenges quickly, and result in a stronger success rate for your programs.
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