Steps for a Successful Project Kickoff
Step 1: Establish a Vision
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Present the scope from your project plan to set a common goal with your team. This can be done in RTD Manager​ in the project setup section. There is even a place for the charge number that your team will need to use for billing purposes.
Step 2: Identify Team and Set Roles
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Identify team members and their roles (lead developer, testers, quality, subject matter experts/end users, technical writers, etc). In RTD Manager​, this can be done on the project setup page.
Step 3: Conduct a Release Plan
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A very high-level plan for multiple Sprints (e.g. three or more iterations) is created to capture the time to develop the main features.
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It is a guideline that reflects expectations about which features will be implemented and when they are completed. It also serves as a base to monitor progress within the project.​
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Compare this plan to the schedule. If the release plan is longer than the stakeholder's schedule, work with the stakeholders to identify additional items that may be optional [objective requirements].
Step 4: Define How Success will be Measured
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What's required for the project to be considered successful?
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The whole team must know what's expected.​
Step 5: Identify Risk and Impediments
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No project is risk-free. Identify early-on the following...
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Purchases required for new tooling, development tools, licensing, etc.
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Any new technology/tools or computer hardware issues the team may encounter.
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Unforeseen circumstances that may create hiccups such as 3rd party dependencies.
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Extended absences of any team members.
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Present a risk management strategy to make sure you're prepared.
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Tip: Tackle high-risk items early in your project timeline, if possible. Or create a small "time buffer" around the task to help keep your project on track in the event of a delay.
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Step 6: Set your Agenda, Slides, and Handouts
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Share with your team ahead of the meeting.
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Ensure your team members understand the task before presenting to the stakeholders.
- ​​Tip: Keep your kickoff meeting as short as possible. Now is the time to establish yourself as an effective leader and earn your customer and team's confidence.