Project Kickoff
Start a project with full clarity on goals, scope, roles, risks, communication rules, and first actions. Prevent misalignment from day one.
Session
Project Kickoff
Start the project with clarity on goals, scope, roles, risks, communication rules, timeline, and first actions.
Facilitator guide
Set the context, then invite each participant to share their top priority before opening discussion.
Step 2 of 4 · 18 min left
Decisions & next steps
Overview
Start the project with clarity on goals, scope, roles, risks, communication rules, timeline, and first actions.
Expected outcome: A shared project charter, clear role ownership, risk list, communication agreements, and first action steps..
When to use it
- A new project or initiative
- A new phase or major milestone
- A team forming for the first time
Who should attend
Project manager, sponsor, core team and key stakeholders.
Preparation checklist
- Prepare a one-page project brief
- Confirm sponsor and project manager
- Draft a rough timeline and scope statement
Example agenda outline
- 0:00–0:20
Goals and success criteria
What does done look like?
- 0:20–0:45
Scope and boundaries
What is in and out of scope.
- 0:45–1:05
Roles and decision rights
Who is responsible, accountable, consulted, informed.
- 1:05–1:15
Break
- 1:15–1:35
Risk scan
Top risks, dependencies and assumptions.
- 1:35–1:50
Milestones and comms
Timeline and communication cadence.
- 1:50–2:00
First actions
Owners and deadlines for the next two weeks.
Facilitation tips
- Make decision rights explicit
- Capture first actions with owners before people leave
- Agree communication cadence up front
Common risks
- Turning the kickoff into a status update
- Unclear decision rights
- No first actions assigned
Expected outcome
A shared project charter, clear role ownership, a risk list, communication agreements and first actions.
Use the Project Kickoff structure for your next session
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Templates for this type of meeting
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