June 1, 2025
In this article, we examine a cornerstone of successful project execution: the Steering Committee.
For those new to the consulting environment, this term may sound overly formal. However, experienced consultants recognize the critical value of an effective “SteerCo.”
About SteerCo
These committees serve as the command center for complex programs.
At its core, a Steering Committee is a group of key stakeholders. This includes both client team members and consultants.
They meet regularly to guide project direction and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Balance
One of the most significant challenges in consulting is balance.
Teams must execute the actual work while also communicating progress to leadership. Executive stakeholders require regular updates and visibility. Yet excessive reporting can divert resources from productive activities.
The Steering Committee solves this problem by creating the right equilibrium.
Monitor Status
The primary purpose of any Steering Committee is status monitoring.
These sessions function as regular health checks for the entire program. Through weekly or bi-weekly meetings, the committee ensures each work stream delivers on schedule.
Key monitoring activities include:
- Validating progress against established timelines
- Confirming deliverable quality meets standards
- Identifying potential bottlenecks early
- Maintaining accountability across all teams
This oversight goes beyond simple status reporting. The committee creates a framework for transparency across all program components. Rather than micromanaging, it establishes a forum where progress is validated and course corrections happen quickly.
Manage Program Risk
Even well-planned programs encounter unexpected obstacles. Issues emerge, risks materialize, and unforeseen dependencies surface.
The Steering Committee provides a structured way to manage this uncertainty.
During sessions, execution teams escalate critical challenges. These typically come from RAID logs (Risks, Assumptions, Issues, and Dependencies). The committee discusses these challenges openly. They make decisive calls and develop mitigation strategies before situations become crises.
Common risk management activities include:
- Reviewing and prioritizing new risks
- Tracking mitigation progress on existing issues
- Making resource allocation decisions
- Escalating decisions that require executive input
This systematic approach transforms potentially disruptive incidents into manageable challenges with clear solutions.
Shepherd Communication
Large programs often involve hundreds or thousands of participants. Without proper coordination, communication becomes fragmented. The Steering Committee serves as the central coordination point for all messaging.
This communication governance serves two critical purposes. First, it provides leadership with accurate visibility into program status. Second, it ensures all execution teams understand priorities and direction from leadership.
Effective communication shepherding includes:
- Establishing consistent messaging protocols
- Coordinating announcements across teams
- Ensuring key decisions reach all stakeholders
- Managing external communications with sponsors
Conclusion
The Steering Committee represents more than a routine meeting.
Here are the key takeaways:
- Monitor Status – Regular health checks ensure workstreams deliver on agreed schedules and maintain accountability
- Manage Program Risk – Systematic escalation and resolution of issues prevents small problems from becoming major crises
- Shepherd Communication – Consistent messaging across hundreds or thousands of participants keeps everyone aligned and informed
For consultants, facilitating these sessions is one of our most valuable contributions. While coordinating various stakeholder interests presents ongoing challenges, seeing complex programs succeed through structured governance is incredibly rewarding. The Steering Committee transforms potential chaos into coordinated success.