Final answer:
Exit champions are individuals in project management who advocate for the termination of underperforming or inviable projects. They are important because they must use hard data and factual history to build a credible case for project closure and need to demonstrate bravery and out-of-the-box thinking, even if that means facing social isolation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question refers to exit champions, a term in business and project management denoting individuals who advocate for the termination of projects that are not yielding the expected benefits or are no longer viable. The statements presented about exit champions are as follows:
- They put their reputations on the line: This is true as exit champions often have to advocate against the continued investment in a project, which can be risky to their credibility if not done properly.
- They must stand up for what they believe: True, because they need to be willing to be a social outcast and face opposition.
- They must be willing to violate procedures and operate outside normal channels: This can be true but not necessarily in an unethical way. They may need to challenge the status quo or follow unconventional paths to prove their point.
- They reduce ambiguity by gathering hard data and developing a strong case for why the project should be ended: True, as exit champions need to build a credible argument based on facts to justify the project closure.
Understanding the role of an exit champion is crucial because incorrectly handled information can lead to flawed decision-making. Having an exit champion with knowledge of true history and facts ensures that distorted information isn't used to make important project-related decisions. They must also hold the ability to think out of the box and demonstrate bravery in the face of potential backlash, as their decisions may go against the preferences of colleagues or the culture of the organization.