Step 1: Establish a Vision

• 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

• 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

• 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.

• 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.​

• 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

• What's required for the project to be considered successful?

• The whole team must know what's expected.​

Step 5: Identify Risk and Impediments

• No project is risk-free. Identify early-on the following...

  • Purchases required for new tooling, development tools, licensing, etc.

  • Any new technology/tools or computer hardware issues the team may encounter.

  • Unforeseen circumstances that may create hiccups such as 3rd party dependencies.

  • Extended absences of any team members.

• Present a risk management strategy to make sure you're prepared.

  • 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.

Step 6: Set your Agenda, Slides, and Handouts

• Share with your team ahead of the meeting.

• 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.