What role should the steering committee play in a project?

The steering committee plays a pivotal role in providing oversight and strategic direction for a project, which includes determining the objectives and being actively involved in project management. This involvement entails setting clear goals that align with the organization's strategic priorities and ensuring that the project remains on track to achieve these objectives.

By being engaged in project management, the steering committee can facilitate decision-making, provide guidance to the project team, and resolve any high-level issues that may arise. Their insight and authority are important for garnering support from various stakeholders, ensuring the project’s alignment with organizational goals, and ultimately, increasing the likelihood of project success.

In contrast, other roles suggested, such as providing funding, conducting risk assessments, or executing project tasks, may fall within the responsibilities of different project stakeholders or teams. While these activities are critical to a project's success, they are not generally considered the primary responsibility of the steering committee, which focuses more on strategic oversight rather than operational execution or financial management.