Getting Started on the Right Foot
CS410
Kick-off Objectives in General
Communicate goals of the project to all team members - no confusions
Attain the commitment needed
Generate enthusiasm
Establish leadership roles
Identify critical deadlines and phases
General Objectives Continued
Review the overall schedule and work plan
Explain basic operating procedures including
- required reports
- meetings
- other on-going communications
Explicitly give people the go ahead to begin work
First Meeting
Introductions
Identification of strengths/weaknesses
Minutes/notes next meeting schedule/agenda
First Project Meeting
Establish a model for future meetings
- start on time
- Develop and distribute an agenda
- Encourage open communication
- take notes
- set up next meeting time and place
- Agree on follow-up activities
- Distribute meeting minutes within 2 days
First Project Meeting Continued
Introductions
Review the first priorities
Review individual plans for beginning work
Discuss methods and tools to be used to manage, control, and operate the project
Deal with objections to the current plan
Group Decision Making
Discuss the problems and seek opinions from all
Don’t allow one person to dominate the discussion
Test for readiness to make a decision
Make the decision
Assign roles and responsibilities
One to Ones
Meet with key individuals on a scheduled and regular basis
- Make sure they have all info needed
- Clarify priorities
- Discuss schedules and plans
Initial One to Ones
Why he or she was selected
Performance expectations
Individual priorities, tasks, and milestones
Administrative procedures, management tools and methods in use
Challenges and issues
Processes for problem solving
Information
Tasks
Schedules
Project plan summary
- Summary of overall goals
- Team member’s role and task assignment
- List of who’s who on the project