Key takeaways
From identifying objectives to defining project management methodology and resources, a project kickoff checklist provides a detailed look at how the team will work together to achieve project success. This guide explores every step of building and using a project kickoff checklist to help you confidently kick off your project and set the stage for success.
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What is a project kickoff meeting checklist?
The project kickoff meeting checklist is vital for establishing alignment between team members before proceeding with a project. Before the kickoff meeting, the project manager(s) and organization leaders work together to define project objectives, secure stakeholder approval, and settle other details related to the project.
During the meeting, the project kickoff meeting checklist is the focal point of the agenda. A kickoff checklist will include team introductions and a presentation or discussion of the project scope, schedule, tools, and risks. After the meeting, the project manager and team members can cite the kickoff meeting checklist for assigned responsibilities and track action items.
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How to build a project kickoff checklist
Building a project kickoff checklist requires a broad knowledge of the organization, project, and resources needed to launch the effort successfully. Before creating a checklist, projects typically start with securing formal approval from stakeholders through a project charter. This pre-kickoff preparation includes identifying and engaging key stakeholders, establishing a communication plan, and acquiring the resources needed to ensure collaboration.
A checklist requires defining the project objectives, scope, goals, and deliverables. These details are the core of the discussion during the project kickoff meeting. With the help of stakeholders, project managers often take the lead in crafting the kickoff checklist and scheduling the first meeting.
Below is a deeper dive into each step of creating, using, and reviewing a project kickoff checklist.
Pre-kickoff preparations
Defining project objectives and scope
One of the first steps in project planning is identifying a potential project and outlining the goals and expected project deliverables. This effort includes defining what’s in-scope and out-of-scope to ensure stakeholders understand what is and isn’t a part of the projected effort. The project objectives and scope serve as a high-level proof of concept for an organization’s consideration.
Approval of the project charter
What qualifies as a project charter varies by organization, but it typically includes pertinent business documents such as the project’s objectives, scope, timeline, and any contractual agreements related to the project.
By gathering data, collecting stakeholder perspectives, and holding planning meetings, project initiators can develop a project charter for consideration by the project sponsor or organization steering committee. Once approved, the project charter serves as a reference point throughout the project to align efforts and guide decision-making.
Identifying and engaging stakeholders
Identifying and engaging stakeholders might be the most crucial part of project planning as organization leadership, team members, and clients influence the approach and execution of a project. Engaging with stakeholders early and often is essential to building support and aligning expectations for project goals. With stakeholder management, project managers can foster collaboration and mitigate risk throughout the project.
Establishing a communication and resources plan
Who and what is necessary to ensure the smooth execution of the project? Here, project managers and teams will define the communication methods, channels, and expected frequency of communication for the effort. Along with a communication plan, project managers must ensure all required resources (e.g., tools, software, personnel) are available and assigned to complete the project.
Creating a project kickoff checklist
With overarching project details solidified through the project charter, stakeholders, communication, and resource plans, you have enough to create a project kickoff checklist. This document should contain a comprehensive list of pre-kickoff planning to offer stakeholders a clear understanding of the effort, including objectives, scope, roles, and resources. By utilizing a checklist, teams can establish a structured foundation for the effort and leave no detail behind.
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The kickoff meeting
Introducing team members and their roles
Break the ice and kick off the meeting right by having team members introduce themselves, their roles, and their expertise related to the project. As the team reviews project details, these team member introductions offer an idea of how the team will separate work and opportunities for collaboration.
Discussing project overview and background
Next, summarize the project, including details established in planning, such as the project objectives, scope, personnel, and resources. At this point in the meeting, the project manager should identify the problem or issue the project seeks to address. Identifying the problem ensures team members understand the context and significance of the project.
Setting timeline and milestones
Project timelines typically include multiple milestones and deadlines, during which the team can review progress or release a deliverable to clients. The project kickoff meeting should include a detailed breakdown of deliverables and deadlines to keep the project on track. Through discussion, team members can establish priorities and pacing to tackle project deadlines efficiently.
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Determining tools and methodologies needed
Lastly, the project manager should outline the tools and project management methodologies for completing the project. Depending on the industry and team function, tools are often digital resources like project management and productivity software or physical resources (e.g., office supplies and construction materials). Project management methodologies like waterfall, agile, and hybrid styles will influence workflows, collaboration, deadlines, and deliverables.
Wrapping it up with a Q&A session
Before dismissing the team, all kickoff meetings should finish with an opportunity to ask questions and discuss project details. Team members must feel comfortable expressing concerns or uncertainties to establish trust before work begins. This discussion time will ensure alignment and confidence as team members return to their usual workload or jump into project tasks.
Post-kickoff actions
Writing meeting minutes
Recording or transcribing the kickoff meeting and creating a meeting minutes document are essential for reviewing project details and decisions discussed during the first meeting. As the project proceeds, the kickoff meeting minutes and the accompanying checklist serve as a vital reference point for the team and stakeholders.
Task delegation and tracking
While the kickoff meeting is ideal for assigning tasks to team members, some items, roles, and responsibilities could still be blurry. By inspecting the kickoff meeting checklist and minutes, the project manager can catalog tasks and task owners and identify gaps that require follow-up communication. Through project management software like Asana, ClickUp, or Wrike, the team can ensure accountability by tracking and recording progress on tasks.
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Establishing checkpoints and regular updates
Establishing checkpoints — whether it’s announcements, milestones, or deadlines — will ensure continued communication and collaboration throughout the project. Depending on the project timeline, this could be weekly or daily updates or full team meetings after each milestone. Regular stakeholder communication can establish accountability for team member tasks and ensure continuous progress.
Example of a project kickoff checklist
Project kickoff checklists can take various forms, but they all share commonalities that help align teams during project kickoffs. These checklists typically feature an agenda of the kickoff meeting broken down by agenda item, time allocated, and any additional documents or resources for helping stakeholders understand the project.
Whether a physical printout for in-person teams or a digital document for remote teams, the checklist allows stakeholders to follow along and take notes while discussing project business. While each team member can take notes, it’s critical that the project manager or secretary records discussions and decisions made for an overarching document available to the entire team.
Below is an example agenda for a successful project kickoff meeting with additional notes based on items discussed during the meeting.
| Time | Item | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 PM | Introductions | Add Jack to team Slack channel |
| 1:10 PM | Project Overview and Background | Share slides with team |
| 1:30 PM | Timeline and Milestones | Add deadlines to Asana |
| 1:40 PM | Tools and Methodologies | Confirm access for team members |
| 1:45 PM | Discussion and Q&A | Check on budget for launch event |
| 1:55 PM | Next Steps & Adjourn Meeting | Send recap email by EOD |
While the above is a general and broad agenda for a kickoff, project managers can be as granular as needed to familiarize team members with the project.
Examples of additional items for checklists include:
Introductions
- Group icebreaker
- Project leadership, sponsor, and client(s)
Project Overview and Background
- Project objectives and scope
- Project charter and sponsor
- Stakeholder, communication, and resource management plans
Timeline and Milestones
- Milestone and deliverables
- Acceptance criteria for deliverables
- Quality control mechanisms
- Risk management plan
Tools and Methodologies
- Onboarding for tools
- Technical support and assistance
- Project management methodology
Project kickoff checklist templates
Many project management software providers come with kickoff meeting checklist templates to help project managers get started.
Confluence’s project kickoff checklist template offers project managers an effective way to properly communicate project details — particularly its goals — to all stakeholders.
ClickUp’s project kickoff meeting template is great for beginners and is fully customizable.
Importance of a checklist
A project kickoff meeting checklist is essential to setting the stage for continuous communication and collaboration during a project. Without a checklist, teams risk missing important details that could impact the project’s success.
The project kickoff checklist serves as a roadmap that guides the team through the project and offers essential details. These details include objectives, roles, and milestones, which will ensure alignment and avoid the risk of missing critical tasks. Project managers can improve efficiency, establish accountability, and build confidence by creating and using a checklist.
FAQs
Get started right with a project kickoff checklist
Do you want to start or execute your project efficiently? A project kickoff checklist provides alignment, structure, and accountability for team members and task progress. Checklists ease project kickoffs with an organized list of discussion items that inform team members of their roles, responsibilities, and overarching project objectives. Whether it’s a small or complex project, a checklist is a valuable resource for promoting buy-in, continued collaboration, and task execution.
US President Abraham Lincoln said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first hour sharpening the axe.” Applied to project management, pre-kickoff planning and a granular project kickoff checklist can help teams avoid confusion and missteps.
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