Why a Project Charter Should Be Part of Your Checklist

Having the right tools and methodology behind you can go a long way towards a successful project. The mission or charter is a way to help communicate the vision from kickoff and throughout the project.

The executive leadership team or project champion owns the project and is therefore responsible for helping the rest of the organization to understand the vision and the reasoning behind the effort. The charter is the tool that can help bring a consistent message to the team and all the stakeholders that may be impacted.

The PM is the one that needs to assist the executive or champion in defining the charter to help get the message out. Many members of the team may often feel overwhelmed and out of touch as to why change is necessary. The project charter can help them understand and get past the "why" and move on to "how" the plan will positively affect the organization. This, in turn will help them to stay focused on the tasks that need to be accomplished in order for the project to be successful.

The charter or mission statement can be one of the tools a PM can use to help get the vision entrenched into the project mindset and help keep things moving forward. The charter document will help solidify the roadmap for the organization and initiate the framework needed to get the project started the right way and running smoothly.

Some standard language that may be used in a project charter might look like:

1. This project is necessary to meet the needs of the business and the changing marketplace we serve
2. This project is needed to help the organization move into the 21st century
3. This effort will enable our company to become more competitive and stronger in the market

In summary, each project manager should recommend the champion create a project charter to help instill a common reason as to why the work and effort is needed in supporting the project. A common objective handed down from the executive will show leadership and a consistent message for everyone to share throughout the project.

A Project Management Charter can make it easier for Executive Leadership to share their vision and objectives for the work effort.

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