Getting started on a project can be daunting!
Getting started on a project can be daunting, especially when you are new to project delivery or fresh to a company even more so if you’ve only been given a small brief.
With a blank canvas in front of you, questions are the only way to get going and learn more about what you’re delivering. That sounds obvious, doesn’t it? But what if you’re faced with limited knowledge, a busy project sponsor, or a product manager with only a 30-minute window? What are the key questions to get you started quickly?
Here are my top 10 questions to get you started and why these will help get you started.
1. High level what are we delivering?
It might be an obvious one, but if you have limited time with the key person it’s a great opener and great to hear directly from them the abridged version. Take time later to look in detail about the finer details of what you’re delivering.
2. What are we not delivering?
This is an obvious one too, though I see many a keen-to-get-started person go straight in with running on what’s being delivered without running through what is not. Which can unravel you later when you’re in the thick of delivering. Whilst your mind is empty of the new project embed now what is out of scope… it’ll stick in your memory!
3. Deadline
This is obvious, but why are you asking… more so what are you listening to is the tenure of the deadline, when you ask what the deadline is you should be listening for the queues of whether there is some strategic business driver you should be aware of, or something critical failing, a contract coming to an end or a casual “we’d like to target”
4. Benchmark for success
What does success look like to them? Or does that need to be defined? You need to understand what success looks like to ensure you deliver to the sponsor’s vision so you and your team don’t go down a rabbit hole.
5. Who is the client/end-user
This may not be obvious. Be clear in your mind about who you’re delivering to, is it internal, client-facing, an end user for the company, or an end user for your client?
6. What might get in the way?
Risks! What are the big things you need to know about that are going to make the project hard to deliver?
7. What is the team makeup and experience level?
Before you go ahead, who do you have on the team, do you have all seniors, new, mixed, are the team 100% dedicated or are they across multiple projects?
8. Who are the subject matter experts
These people are key to helping you and the team, find out who they are and get time with them as soon as you can.
9. Has it been done before
Is it fresh technology? Has something similar been done? These help with understanding what you’re facing, and what complexity the team faces.
10. Is there a project brief or some documentation/proposal
Finally, find out what documentation there is so you can do a deeper review of what’s ahead at your own leisure.
In conclusion,
Embarking on a new project can be an overwhelming endeavor, especially for those new to project delivery or starting in a new company. The initial stages can feel like facing a blank canvas, unsure of where to begin. However, by asking the right questions, you can quickly gain clarity and set yourself up for success.
Defining the benchmark for success is crucial. You need a clear understanding of what the end goal looks like to ensure alignment with the sponsor’s vision and avoid unnecessary detours. Identify the client or end user — whether internal or external — to tailor your delivery accordingly.
Recognize potential obstacles and risks that may impede project progress. By anticipating these challenges early on, you can develop strategies to mitigate them effectively. Assess the makeup and experience level of your team to understand their capabilities and allocate resources accordingly. Collaborating with subject matter experts can provide valuable insights and guidance throughout the project.
In summary, by asking the ten key questions outlined in this blog, you can streamline the project initiation process and gather essential information efficiently. Embrace the power of questions and embark on your project journey with confidence.