The Steering Committee is typically comprised of senior-level executives. The size of the committee will vary depending on the importance, scope, and complexity of the integration.
The Steering Committee:
- Makes foundational decisions: Specifies the integration’s objectives, success metrics, assumptions, and non-negotiables. The detailed plans developed by teams will draft off the early decisions made by the Steering Committee.
- Sponsors the integration: Functions as an advocate by securing the necessary resources and support from stakeholders.
- Approves projects: Gives the green light to plans, major changes to plans, and recommendations from teams.
- Tracks performance: Regularly reviews progress and ensures integration projects stay on track.
- Manages risks: Identifies major risks that could negatively impact the project and oversees their mitigation.
- Removes roadblocks: Intervenes to resolve major conflicts or issues that are not being effectively addressed at lower levels.
- Coordinates communications: Develops the core messages for the deal and looks for opportunities to reinforce communications on guiding principles, values, vision, and the rationale for the deal.