1. Organizing a project kickoff
…how to
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2. Why do we need a Kick-off?
To formally launch the project
To put faces to the names
To form & align the project team
Distribute relevant information
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3. The right timing For a project kickoff you should know…
what you are working towards
why it matters
who is involved
what will be accomplished
 Project vision and scope has been sufficiently defined
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4. Preparing the kickoff
Target the kickoff according to project size & complexity
Identify participants - external vs. internal kickoff meeting
Define location of the kickoff - in person or virtual
Define duration & schedule the kickoff
Organize undisturbed location for the meeting
Prepare structured agenda - focus on clear content & plan enough time
Send out agenda several days prior to the meeting
Plan get together after the kickoff if suitable
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5. content Why Why are we doing this project? What’s the business need?
What  What’s the solution? What are we going to do?
How How are we going to make the project happen?
When When are we going to do it?
Where Where is the starting point for kicking things off?
Who Who’s going to do what?
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6. Topics for Agenda Project goals, objectives and vision Scope
Project team – introduction, org chart and roles)
Groups impacted
High level project plan and milestones
Deliverables & acceptance criteria
Risks and issue management
Communication plan
Change management
Tools
Teambuilding & social event
Next Steps
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7. After the Kickoff Send meeting minutes to participants
Kickoff summary
Actions points
Next steps
Hold brief follow-up sessions with any participants who were unable to attend the meeting
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8. The beginning is the most important part of the work
Plato
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