5.3 Mobilising a new project

Setting up a new team and project can be a huge and overwhelming challenge. How can you ensure that you hit the ground running? How can you quickly build a collaborative and positive culture?

The beginning of a project: the calm before the storm or a manic rush to get things sorted ready for the core work to start? Whichever way it happens, the start of a project is critical to its future success. From estimating and scoping, to assigning resources, defining requirements, briefing in your team, the all-important first meeting with our partners or client—there’s a minefield of tasks out there which can shape how your project develops. You have to set the tone for success.

How to start a project and what do I need to do?

1. Set the tone that you want for your project early on.

2. Get your team’s buy-in and involvement early.

3. This goes for the client too—get them involved early and often.

4. Make sure clear communications are set up with any clients or stakeholders.

5. Ensure there’s an agreed process for your project to follow – but don’t become bogged down in documentation!

6. But don’t try to fit to a specific process if it doesn’t work for your project.

7. Try to meet your client face-to-face at least once before kicking off the project (if this is impossible, do a video call!)

8. For any kick-off meeting, set a clear agenda and make people feel involved.

9. Try and future-proof your project by thinking through risks and dependencies with your team.

10. Always think ahead—don’t just focus on the start of the project!