Managing the Project Interfaces 189are, your relationship to them, and how they can affect you and
your project.
The Internal Customer
Customers are ordinarily the people for whom you’re doing the
project. Internal customers are normally people within your
company who have a particular need that your project will
address. The internal customer often pays for the project and
receives the benefits (business impact) and/or project deliver-
ables. Project Apex is an example of an internal project: the
manufacturing and assembly department that Brad has been
interfacing with is his internal customer.
The Project Sponsor
“Project sponsor” is not ordinarily a specific organizational posi-
tion; it’s a role played on projects. A sponsor is typically a rep-
resentative of upper management who’s personally involved in
the project. In many cases, it’s a person with a very high stake
in the project outcome. It can be particularly valuable to have a
project sponsor when you face problems, issues, or situations
that lie beyond your sphere of influence. In short, they can help
you when you don’t have the connections or the clout to make
things happen. Sponsors may facilitate approvals or decisions,
assist with resource assignments (or reassignments!), and serve
as advisors and mentors to you as you manage the project. A
good sponsor will also help you overcome political and organi-
zational obstacles. Make sure that you keep your sponsor fully
informed about your project.
Go Out and Get One if You Have To!
A project sponsor can be an invaluable asset to you and
your project—particularly if you work in a matrix environ-
ment and your project is large or complex. If a sponsor is not formally
identified,go out and get one! Seek out a member of management who
has a relatively high stake in the success or failure of your project.Ask
if he or she is willing to serve as the project sponsor. Be prepared to
describe the role and your expectations, if they ask. Many times, you
will find them to be quite willing; after all, they wantyou to succeed.