Definition
A Steering Committee is a high-level governance group that provides guidance, oversight, and decision-making authority for a project or program. Typically composed of executives, sponsors, and senior stakeholders, the committee ensures the project remains aligned with strategic objectives.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Approving major project decisions.
- Ensuring resources and funding are available.
- Managing risks and resolving issues.
- Providing executive support to the project team.
Why Steering Committees Are Critical:
- Prevents project derailment by maintaining focus on business priorities.
- Ensures alignment between project goals and organizational objectives.
- Supports the project team by removing roadblocks and enabling success.
Without a strong Steering Committee, projects can face directional misalignment, resource shortages, and decision-making delays.