{"id":1606,"date":"2022-02-26T09:27:12","date_gmt":"2022-02-26T02:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/?p=1606"},"modified":"2022-02-26T09:27:12","modified_gmt":"2022-02-26T02:27:12","slug":"how-to-create-a-project-charter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a Project Charter"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#Why_the_Project_Charter_Matters_More_Than_You_Think\" >Why the Project Charter Matters More Than You Think<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#What_Is_a_Project_Charter\" >What Is a Project Charter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#What_Happens_When_You_Dont_Have_One\" >What Happens When You Don\u2019t Have One?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#What_Should_Be_in_a_Project_Charter\" >What Should Be in a Project Charter?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#1_Project_Name\" >1. Project Name<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#2_Project_Purpose_Business_Case\" >2. Project Purpose &amp; Business Case<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#3_Objectives_Deliverables\" >3. Objectives &amp; Deliverables<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#4_High-Level_Scope_Description\" >4. High-Level Scope Description<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#5_Budget_Estimate\" >5. Budget Estimate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#6_Key_Milestones\" >6. Key Milestones<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#7_Stakeholders_Team_Members\" >7. Stakeholders &amp; Team Members<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#8_Project_Manager_Details\" >8. Project Manager Details<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#9_Sponsor_Sign-Off\" >9. Sponsor Sign-Off<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#Example_Simple_Project_Charter\" >Example: Simple Project Charter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#Why_the_Project_Managers_Authority_Matters\" >Why the Project Manager\u2019s Authority Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#How_to_Roll_It_Out\" >How to Roll It Out<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-project-charter\/#Summary\" >Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_the_Project_Charter_Matters_More_Than_You_Think\"><\/span>Why the Project Charter Matters More Than You Think<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Every project needs a beginning. It is not just a kickoff meeting or a to-do list but a formal document that sets the tone, scope, and authority for everything that follows. That document is the <strong>project charter.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I\u2019m Steven Sondang, a <strong>Seasoned Digital Marketer and Business Strategy Specialist with over 15 years of experience. I\u2019ve<\/strong> seen countless projects derail simply because expectations or authority were ambiguous. The project charter matters because it\u2019s more than just paperwork. It\u2019s your <strong>license to lead.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s unpack what makes a project charter impactful\u2014and How to Create one that earns trust and accelerates execution.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Project_Charter\"><\/span>What Is a Project Charter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A <strong>project charter<\/strong> is a short, formal document that:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li><strong>Authorizes<\/strong> the project<\/li>\n<li><strong>Appoints<\/strong> the project manager<\/li>\n<li><strong>Aligns<\/strong> stakeholders on objectives, scope, and outcomes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It provides the first official communication that a project is real, resourced, and ready to proceed into the planning phase.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happens_When_You_Dont_Have_One\"><\/span>What Happens When You Don\u2019t Have One?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Without a charter, teams often:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Question the project\u2019s legitimacy<\/li>\n<li>Struggle with unclear priorities<\/li>\n<li>Face resistance from other departments<\/li>\n<li>Operate with murky authority<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A strong charter avoids all of that. It <strong>brings clarity, alignment, and legitimacy.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_Be_in_a_Project_Charter\"><\/span>What Should Be in a Project Charter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s what every effective charter includes:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Project_Name\"><\/span>1. <strong>Project Name<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Make it clear, concise, and relevant.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Project_Purpose_Business_Case\"><\/span>2. <strong>Project Purpose &amp; Business Case<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Explain <strong>why<\/strong> this project exists. Link it directly to strategic goals.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Objectives_Deliverables\"><\/span>3. <strong>Objectives &amp; Deliverables<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Outline the key things your project will achieve and produce.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_High-Level_Scope_Description\"><\/span>4. <strong>High-Level Scope Description<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Include:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>What\u2019s in scope<\/li>\n<li>What\u2019s out of scope<\/li>\n<li>Key risks or assumptions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Budget_Estimate\"><\/span>5. <strong>Budget Estimate<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Provide an initial estimate or cap to frame financial expectations.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Key_Milestones\"><\/span>6. <strong>Key Milestones<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Identify major checkpoints, deadlines, or decision gates.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Stakeholders_Team_Members\"><\/span>7. <strong>Stakeholders &amp; Team Members<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>List the key players\u2014sponsors, managers, team leads.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Project_Manager_Details\"><\/span>8. <strong>Project Manager Details<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Include:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Name<\/li>\n<li>Responsibilities<\/li>\n<li>Level of decision-making authority<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Sponsor_Sign-Off\"><\/span>9. <strong>Sponsor Sign-Off<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Include a formal declaration from the project sponsor that the project is supported and authorised.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Example_Simple_Project_Charter\"><\/span>Example: Simple Project Charter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Project Name:<\/strong> Expand Product Recommendations Engine<\/p>\n<p><strong>Project Purpose:<\/strong> Increase search-to-cart conversion by 28% this quarter<\/p>\n<p><strong>Objectives:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Add recommendation module to product detail pages<\/li>\n<li>Launch A\/B testing to validate conversion lift<\/li>\n<li>Track user behavior and click patterns<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Deliverables:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Live recommendation engine<\/li>\n<li>A\/B testing plan and results<\/li>\n<li>Behavioral analysis dashboard<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>High-Level Risks:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Technical integration delays<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Budget Estimate:<\/strong> Not to exceed $2,100<\/p>\n<p><strong>Milestones:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>BRD: October 15<\/li>\n<li>A\/B Test Ready: October 26<\/li>\n<li>Go Live: November 4<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Team:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Project Manager: Oliver<\/li>\n<li>Designer: Notos K.<\/li>\n<li>Backend Engineer: Assigned<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Sponsor Statement:<\/strong> As COO, I formally authorise the execution of this project and appoint Oliver as project manager.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_the_Project_Managers_Authority_Matters\"><\/span>Why the Project Manager\u2019s Authority Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A project manager doesn\u2019t have built-in positional power, unlike a department head. Their authority exists <strong>only within the project context<\/strong>\u2014and only for as long as the project runs.<\/p>\n<p>The charter defines:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Whether they can sign contracts<\/li>\n<li>Whether they can reassign internal resources<\/li>\n<li>What decisions can they make without escalation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This clarity avoids confusion and protects both the project and the PM.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Roll_It_Out\"><\/span>How to Roll It Out<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Once completed, the charter should be:<\/p>\n<ul data-spread=\"false\">\n<li>Reviewed and approved by the sponsor<\/li>\n<li>Circulated to all impacted stakeholders<\/li>\n<li>Saved in a central project folder<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A good charter doesn\u2019t sit in a drawer. It <strong>lives<\/strong>\u2014in team briefings, steering committee decks, and onboarding docs.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Summary\"><\/span>Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Creating a project charter isn\u2019t about red tape. It\u2019s about setting your project up for <strong>clarity, alignment, and confidence.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Done well, it builds the trust and support needed to start strong.<\/p>\n<p>And when things inevitably change (as they always do), the charter becomes your north star\u2014reminding everyone what the project was meant to achieve and why it mattered in the first place.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re struggling to launch a project with clarity and conviction, I\u2019m here to help. Let\u2019s put structure behind your ideas and momentum behind your mission.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why the Project Charter Matters More Than You Think Every project needs a beginning. It&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1612,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","meta_keywords":"","rank_math_focus_keyword":"Create a Project Charter"},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"newstopic":[],"class_list":["post-1606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-practical-management"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1606"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1606\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1606"},{"taxonomy":"newstopic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stevensondang.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/newstopic?post=1606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}