When it comes to launching new products or initiatives, the board of directors may create a steering committee from within the organization or seek outside experts to manage the process. A steering committee plays an imperative role in the success of projects and initiatives. To enable success, the steering committee needs to host productive committee meetings. Read on to learn more about steering committees and how meeting management software increases their efficiency and effectiveness.
What is a Steering Committee?
A steering committee is a group of individuals, ideally from diverse backgrounds, who are tasked with overseeing large-scale projects, programs, or organizational initiatives. Typically composed of senior leaders and subject matter experts, these committees ensure projects align with organizational goals. Steering committees are crucial because they help bridge the gap between project teams and upper management, ensuring resources are allocated appropriately, timelines are met, and risks are managed effectively.
Ensure effective, efficient meetings with our comprehensive Board Meeting Agenda Template.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Steering Committee
The roles and responsibilities of a steering committee include the following:
Provide Advice and Direction
Steering committees offer advice and direction to ensure projects stay aligned with strategic plans. They review progress regularly, helping to identify areas of improvement. Additionally, steering committees offer recommendations on resource allocation, timelines, and stakeholder engagement, essentially becoming a project manager for important tasks.
Set Project Timeline and Budget
Steering committees establish project timeliness by aligning project milestones with strategic objectives and resource availability. They also allocate budgets based on cost projections and risk assessments.
By setting clear expectations and milestones, the committee ensures all stakeholders are aligned and accountable for meeting deadlines and staying within budgetary constraints. This financial oversight helps minimize risks and fosters a sense of responsibility among team members.
Monitor Project Quality
To ensure outcomes meet the standards of the organization’s and stakeholders’ goals, steering committees must successfully monitor the project’s quality. By implementing quality control measures, the committee can identify any issues early in the process and take corrective action, ultimately ensuring the project’s success.
Evaluate and Monitor Risk
Steering committees are tasked with identifying potential risks that could impede project progress. This includes assessing internal and external factors that may affect timelines, budgets, and outcomes.
In collaboration with the risk committee, a steering committee works proactively to develop risk mitigation strategies, ensuring contingency plans are in place to address unforeseen challenges. This vigilance not only helps safeguard the project but also fosters a culture of resilience within the organization.
Define Project Outcomes
Defining clear and measurable project outcomes is a critical responsibility of the steering committee. They collaborate with project teams to establish success criteria, ensuring everyone understands what constitutes a successful project completion. By articulating these outcomes, the committee helps maintain focus and motivation among team members, guiding efforts toward achieving specific goals.
Skills and Traits of a Steering Committee
To excel as a member of a steering committee, one must exhibit the following skills and traits:
- Strategic planning skills: The ability to envision and articulate the long-term goals and direction of the organization, ensuring alignment with projects and initiatives.
- Exceptional communication: Proficient in conveying ideas clearly and effectively, while also fostering open dialogue and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
- Strong leadership qualities: Capable of inspiring and guiding team members, making decisive choices, and promoting a positive environment that encourages accountability.
- Problem-solving abilities: Skilled in analyzing challenges and developing innovative solutions that facilitate project success and address potential roadblocks.
- Adaptability and flexibility: Willingness to embrace change and adjust strategies as necessary, enabling the committee to navigate shifting priorities and unforeseen circumstances.
- Commitment to continuous improvement: An open-minded approach to feedback and learning, focused on enhancing processes and outcomes for ongoing organizational success.
Getting Started with OnBoard
To fuel success, your committees need the tools to succeed. OnBoard board portal software empowers all areas of an organization, from the steering committee and operating committee to the executive committee and compliance committee.
Onboard offers features that enhance collaboration and streamline processes for board members, including:
- Microsoft 365 integration that allows for collaborative work in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Easy-to-use surveys to gather input or measure engagement
- Task management workflows to follow progress
- Secure messaging and Zoom integration
To compare those features with other vendor offerings, check out our Vendor Comparison Worksheet, an interactive document to have on-hand when considering board management software for the first time or looking to replace an old and expensive provider.
Navigate board software options wisely using our comprehensive vendor comparison tool
Want to steer your steering committee to success? Try a free trial of OnBoard today.
About The Author
- Josh Palmer serves as OnBoard's Head of Content. An experienced content creator, his previous roles have spanned numerous industries including B2C and B2B home improvement, healthcare, and software-as-a-service (SaaS). An Indianapolis native and graduate of Indiana University, Palmer currently resides in Fishers, Ind.
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