Huddle Up

  ProjectsAtWork  

How a project starts often determines how it ends. The kickoff meeting could be the most important one you hold.

It's called the kickoff meeting because it sets everything related to the project in motion. And like the kickoff to start a football game, it can't alone guarantee project success, but a poorly executed one can put you and your team at a disadvantage. In football, the coach sets the tone for the game long before Sunday, explaining what is expected, how it will be achieved, and who will do what to make it happen. On a project, the project manager should do the same at the kickoff meeting.

"The purpose of the project kickoff meeting is to formally announce the start of the project to the stakeholders, customers and the core team," says Raj Kapur, executive vice president, Center for Project Management in San Ramon, Calif. This initial meeting is crucial for defining team members' roles, reviewing project parameters and establishing procedures for communication, change control and documentation.

Make sure your team is well equipped to meet the challenges of the project. Here, four project management experts explain how to execute a strong kickoff:

The Kickoff

It is the project manager's responsibility to provide a clear and concise picture of the project's purpose and goals. As you prepare for the kickoff meeting, think about how you can best communicate the…

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