What is the appropriate way to verify that a project goal aligns with the organizational mission?

• A. Cross-check goals with mission statements, stakeholders' expectations, and success metrics.
• B. Ignore mission statements and rely only on the project sponsor.
• C. Set goals based solely on personal preferences.
• D. Wait until after project completion to assess alignment.

Answer: (A)

Verifying alignment begins by checking the project goals against the organization's mission and the real expectations of those who care about the outcome. By cross-checking goals with mission statements, stakeholders' expectations, and success metrics, you create a clear link between what the organization aims to achieve, what different groups value, and how you’ll know you’ve succeeded. This helps ensure the project contributes to strategic priorities and can be measured, adjusted, or stopped if it drifts off course.

Relying only on the project sponsor can skew priorities toward one person’s view. Setting goals based solely on personal preferences ignores the broader organizational strategy, and waiting until after completion to assess alignment misses opportunities to steer the project while changes are still feasible.