Why do intranets fail? (Part Two)

In my last post I discussed the importance of having clear objectives, a realistic budget and timescales for a successful intranet project.

In this post I’m going to discuss why it’s so important to select the right leaders for your project.

Lack of executive leadership

Selecting the right project sponsor is integral to the success of your intranet project. There have been numerous occasions where I’ve encountered organisations that’ve had an inadequate sponsor with the project floundering as a result.

The right sponsor will:

• Want the role as opposed to it being thrust upon them
• Get buy in from board members
• Have access to funding
• Make critical decisions at crucial times in the project
• Ensure timely availability of resources
• Embrace the intranet’s vision
• Be responsible for the intranet’s continuous evolution

In addition to these qualities, a sponsor will possess the seniority to handle internal conflicts which are a common reason for projects stalling.

Ineffective Project Management

Once you’ve got the right sponsor in place, you’ll need to choose an intranet manager with the skills and experience to oversee the daily activities of your project.

They are responsible for creating the intranet’s vision, working alongside your sponsor to convey this message to the rest of the organisation. As well as liaising with the sponsor on a regular basis, the most effective managers I’ve encountered have the ability to:

• Motivate team members
• Ensure that deadlines are adhered to
• Prioritise the project objectives

With these two vital project members in place you’ll be in a far better position to ensure your intranet project stays on track.

In my next post I will cover how a lack of resources and long term strategy will affect your intranet once it’s been implemented.