Governance, in other words, is ensuring that things get done!

Here are three ideas to consider when defining a project's governance and setting up this project for success. All three are leveraging from each other and can be used in any project. They are based on the understanding that project governance is an oversight function that ensures target setting, decision making and monitoring of a project.

Leadership shows direction, and governance enables action!

1. Add networks to hierarchies

   Yes, hierarchies are critical in delivering project results. Essential for formal informational flow and ensuring proper escalation mechanisms. However, projects are driven by "middle-management" roles that act in networks to ensure capacity and capabilities (and rarely worry about politics).

2. Know when to use hierarchies and when to use networks

   Once these networks are set up, you need to be clear about when to use the network and when to use the hierarchy.

3. Think at what level to use hierarchy and network

   Many successful project organisations only use a hierarchic structure at the top and replace everything below with scalable and agile networks. This fosters collaboration and informal information flow and also ensures sustainability over the long term.

"So learning to collaborate is part of equipping yourself for effectiveness, problem-solving, innovation and life-long learning in an ever-changing networked economy." wrote Don Tapscott.

I can't wait to read your feedback, comments, questions, shoutouts and suggestions.