Question

Were Al Zink's actions that of someone trying to be an invisible sponsor?

explain in 200 words.

Answer 1

Al Zink was trying to be an invisible sponsor and this can be seen through many actions of his. He did not want to be a part of any decison making that was critical and would effect the project development. As Al Zink had not worked for companies that were not project driven the experience in project management was less. Though the project he was assigned to was medium sized and handled by the project manager, still the manager had to report to Al Zink for the initiatives and progress of the project and seek approvals from him on the same. Though Fred, the project manager handled the operations of the project but the success or failure came on the shoulders of the project sponsor and the presidents hold him resposible for the same. Hence the fear of failure of the project and negative impact on his career and reputation Al Zink played a role of an invisible sponsor. He Asked Fred for the scheduled report of the project but when Fred informed him that the delay is due to the decision about the schedule to be based on time, cost or risk has to come from Al Zink he did not act on the same and refrained from saying anything on the same even after being discussed thrice. On getting the pressure for a longer time Al Zink just made a random decision on getting the time schedule without giving any reasons for such a decision. Now once the schedule was ready, Al Zink was not ready to sign it for Fred to take it further into action for the project development. Inspite of several reminders for the same no response was recieved from him on it. He wanted to leave this matter without his signature hoping Fred will initiate the work without it after a period of time. This type of behavior is not expected or accepted from a responsible and high position of a project sponsor. All these showed clearly that Al Zink wanted to act as an invisible sponsor to save himself from the blame of project failure.