Tips for Getting Started Right on a New Project

When assigned a new project (or, when you take one on yourself), there are a few actions you can take right up front to improve the chances of success.

Make sure you really understand the objective of the project. Every project has an objective. Think about:

• Why is the project being done? What is its purpose?
• How does the project map to a strategic initiative within the organization?
• What are the benefits/value add of the project to the organization?

And make sure that objective is communicated and understood by the entire project team.

What would success look like for this project? Think about:

• What does success mean to the stakeholders?
• On time
• On budget
• Specific functionality
• Product features
• ??

Who are the stakeholders?  Meet with all of the stakeholders involved in the project to introduce yourself and understand directly what their expectations are for the project.  By getting to know the stakeholders, you understand how to better communicate with them and their goals and objectives for the project.

Spend time with the project team to get to know them; and for them to get to know each other.  Take time prior to the actual start of the project to “kick off” the project team.  See a previous post, Kicking off the Project Team, for suggestions.  A team that has the opportunity to get acquainted with each other prior to the project start works together more effectively and efficiently quicker than a team that does not have the opportunity.

Take the time to build an actual project plan.  Invest the time up front to do all of your project planning, getting input from stakeholders, team members and other relevant individuals/groups.  Spending time on the project planning rather than just jumping into the project without a plan in place will provide you a better start to the project.

Set expectations with the project team ahead of time. Get the team together to decide:

• How will you work together as a team?
• How will problems be resolved?
• How will changes be managed?
• How often should the team communicate with each other?
• How often should the team meet?
• How are project decisions made?
• What do team members do if they fall behind in their tasks or need assistance?

Determine how project status will be reported.

• Frequency for reporting?
• Responsibility for reporting?
• Who will receive project status reports?

Develop a plan to capture lessons learned throughout the project.

These are just a few actions to take to get your project started off on the right path.

I’m sure you can add to this list. What have you found to be beneficial to do on your projects right up front to ensure a successful conclusion to the project? Share your thoughts in the Comments field below.  Thanks!