Leading Change is not a set-it-and-forget-it activity but an ongoing journey…some might even call it a never-ending rollercoaster.  It requires work up front, staying engaged, and continuing to show up to reinforce the change. Sounds like work, huh? Well, it does take time, I promise you, IT’S WORTH IT. I have seen firsthand that a strong executive sponsor to lead the change is a critical component to success.  

Question for the Community: What role does your executive sponsor play in your Planview journey? Share your experiences in the comments. 

Why Executive Sponsorship Matters: The Research Behind It

According to Prosci's extensive research, active and visible sponsorship has consistently ranked as the #1 contributor to change success since 1998. Their studies show that having the right sponsor can make or break your implementation efforts.

Prosci has demonstrated that organizations with excellent sponsorship are:

• 7x more likely to have employees feel ready for change
• 4.6x more likely to meet project objectives
• 1.4x more likely to stay on budget

The research also shows that sponsors are so critical to change initiatives that they stand as both the top contributor to success and the biggest obstacle when sponsorship is ineffective.

What Makes an Effective Planview Sponsor?

Change requires consistent attention, visibility, and championing from those with influence. Without this sustained leadership presence, even the most promising Planview implementations can falter. The difference between organizations that simply install software and those that achieve transformative value lies largely in how their leadership stays engaged throughout the entire change journey, from initial vision through daily use and continuous improvement.

An effective Planview Sponsor:

• Has sufficient authority to make decisions that stick
• Maintains visibility throughout the entire implementation journey
• Allocates appropriate resources for both technical and organizational change aspects
• Removes organizational barriers when encountered
• Communicates personally and passionately about the importance of the change
• Holds other leaders accountable for supporting the implementation
• Has credibility with the affected stakeholder groups

Successful sponsors don't just talk about change—they show it through actions. They understand that change happens at the individual level, embrace change management methodologies, and lead by example.

Actionable Steps to be an Effective Sponsor

1. Build and Maintain Leadership Alignment
   • Develop a shared understanding of implementation goals and measurements
   • Establish clear decision rights and escalation paths
   • Create consistent messaging about timeline, expectations, and benefits
   • Agree on implementation priorities when resource constraints arise
   • Define how each leader will visibly demonstrate support
2. Drive the ADKAR Model for Individual Change –
   • Awareness: Communicate why the change is happening and why now
   • Desire: Build motivation by connecting Planview to personal and organizational benefits
   • Knowledge: Ensure proper training and resources are available
   • Ability: Remove barriers to successful adoption
   • Reinforcement: Recognize and celebrate progress and success stories
3. Demonstrate Visible Commitment
   • Host regular check-ins with the implementation team
   • Participate in key milestone meetings and demos
   • Use the system themselves where appropriate
   • Allocate time in leadership meetings to discuss adoption progress
   • Remove roadblocks promptly when escalated
   • Attend kick-off sessions, share the why, and empower your team
   • Attend support sessions / open office hours
4. Communicate Effectively About the Change – Sponsors should SEND key communications, particularly early in the change.  You don’t have to write them, but we need you to send a few things! The most influential communications come from: Sponsors should focus on answering critical questions.
   • Why is this change happening?
   • Why is it happening now?
   • What are the risks of not changing?
   • What's in it for me (WIIFM)?
5. Create Sustainable Change – Look beyond implementation and drive continuous improvement.
   • Continue to reinforce the importance of Planview adoption in daily work
   • Evaluate adoption metrics and address gaps
   • Celebrate wins and create recognition opportunities for change champions

Mentorship vs. Sponsorship: Understanding the Difference

While mentors provide guidance and advice, sponsors actively advocate for your success. In the Planview implementation world, your executive sponsor is your champion, clearing paths and securing resources that make all the difference.

An executive sponsor plays a pivotal role in the successful implementation, stabilization, and growth of Planview projects. Their strategic vision, leadership, and influence drive the initiative forward, ensuring that it delivers meaningful results aligned with the organization's objectives. The most effective executive sponsors don't just lend their name to the project - they roll up their sleeves and get involved!

Are you an effective sponsor?

Supporting Your Executive Sponsor

Change management practitioners play a vital enabling role for sponsors. If your sponsor isn't fulfilling these roles effectively, consider developing a Sponsorship Roadmap that outlines specific activities and touchpoints where their involvement is critical. Help them understand why their visible support dramatically increases the likelihood of implementation success.

Taking the Next Step

We hope this highlights the critical role of executive sponsorship in your Planview journey. For more information and resources on successful Planview implementation, visit our Planview Success Center and check out these previous community posts:

• How will you lead the change?

• Do you have Great Expectations for Change?

Don’t forget to keep exploring the University of Planview and complete the next course in your OCM Badge Journey: Leading Through Change*

*Users must register with their work e-mail and receive their account approval confirmation for the University of Planview to access these direct course links.

 Cheers!

Stephanie, Your OCM Enthusiast