No bullshit: if you don’t have it → create it and keep updated. Now I’ll tell why.
In the world of project management, there are many artefacts that play crucial roles in ensuring the success of an initiative. Among them, the Project Charter is often the most overlooked and underutilized document. In this article, we’ll explore why a Project Charter is essential for any project or program, and provide some valuable insights on how to create and maintain this vital document.
No charter is a remarkable sign on the road to project failure.
As someone who participates in dozens of projects audits each year, I’ve seen firsthand the lack of attention given to the Project Charter. Roughly 80% of initiatives either miss having a Project Charter or have it only as a formal document that’s not updated regularly. This is alarming, considering the importance of this artefact in setting the stage for a successful project.
On average, about 10% of projects I audit never update their Project Charter throughout the entire initiative. This lack of attention to the charter can lead to confusion among stakeholders, misaligned expectations, and ultimately, project failure.
Why is a Project Charter so crucial?
A Project Charter serves as the foundation for any project or program. It outlines the reasons behind initiating the project, defines the scope and objectives, and sets the stage for stakeholders’ expectations. By creating a clear and concise charter, you can ensure that everyone involved in the initiative is on the same page.
The Benefits of a well-crafted Project Charter
So, what are some benefits of having a well-crafted Project Charter? Here are just a few:
- Clarity: A Project Charter brings clarity to all stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
- Alignment: By establishing a single source of truth, you can align expectations among stakeholders, ensuring that everyone is working towards the same goals.
- Stakeholder Buy-In: A well-crafted Project Charter helps secure buy-in from key stakeholders, including sponsors, customers, and team members.
- Decision Making: With a clear understanding of project objectives and scope, decision-makers can make informed choices about resource allocation and budgeting.
4 steps to Amazing Project Charter
Imagine you are getting onboarded to the new project. Ask yourself, what information will help you get up to speed?
That’s how you start writing comprehensive Project Charter. Here are some tips:
- #1. Be Simple: No water, just the core essentials that give clarity. What we do. What is the goal. Which resources. In what timeline. How the result will be accepted. Who decides what.
- #2. Keep it one page: There will be no time to ready that and update that. Take care to save time of everyone.
- #3. Ask for inputs: Project charter shall be authored by 3 parties: project sponsor, project team, project manager. Ask them to conrtribute some details, it must be a joint effort.
- #4. Update sometimes: It should be updated not too often, but still be up-to-date. Ensure that changes are signed-off by Project Sponsor. This should be a handbook, not an archive.
Conclusion
A Project Charter is more than just a formal document; it’s a crucial artefact that sets the stage for project success. By creating a clear, concise, and comprehensive charter, you can ensure alignment among stakeholders, secure buy-in from key decision-makers, and establish a single source of truth throughout the project lifecycle.
In short, if you’re asked to do one thing, write a Project Charter! Don’t underestimate its importance – it’s a vital document that can make all the difference in ensuring your projects meet their intended objectives.