Every new beginning is difficult - but it doesn't have to be! For the success of your project it is very important that the start is well planned and executed. A successful start is particularly important for the positive course of transformation projects. With these tips you can start your project with success!
Here is an overview of important questions that you should ask yourself at your project start:
- Which goal do I pursue with my project?
- How can I measure the success of my project?
- How do I schedule my project?
- Who is responsible and for which tasks in this project?
Together with our project planning experts, we have created a checklist for you to start your project with ease. Download your guide here for free!
Define your goals
Before you start your project, you should ask yourself what the goal of your project is. A goal can have various requirements - a method summarizes the most important of them: The SMART-Formula.
SMART is an acronym and stands for Specific, Measurable, Attractive, Realistic and Timed. The SMART method derives from the business and management context and helps to strategically define goals and achieve them.
A goal should be defined as precisely, concretely and specifically as possible so that it is clear to every participant in the project and the measures can work towards exactly this goal. The fact that a goal is measurable and indicators are determined for the project is essential, especially for the Controlling Department, and helps to assess the success of the project. You should also always state your goal in an attractive way so that the project receives the necessary motivation and commitment. It is important that a goal is worked out in such a way that it has the chance to be realized through time and resources. Of course, the goal should also be timed to meet these requirements - every project with a goal should have a clearly defined beginning and a clearly defined end.
Determine the responsible individuals
Depending on the size of the project, one or two people, or even several hundred, can participate in a project and receive tasks. You should therefore determine in advance who is to participate in your project and involve them in the project planning at an early stage. As soon as you have defined a rough project structure, you can determine the appropriate persons responsible for it. An important question that should be clarified right at the beginning is the question of who the project manager is, because he or she coordinates the project, manages the employees and is therefore largely responsible for the success of the project. Think about your personnel resources in advance, as this is an important base for the success of your project.
Monitor your progress
In any project management it is important that the project is measurable, transparent and monitorable. Well defined goals are the first indicator - such as setting the time frame and budget. The measures and activities should fit the goals and be measurable so that monitoring can take place.
Can my project be separated from my daily business?
A project is usually a challenge that a company takes on alongside its day-to-day business. You should therefore be able to answer the question of whether the project effort is achievable for you and your employees in addition to the daily business.
Before starting a project, you should think about these and other points and define them for yourself. The easiest way to do this is with our checklist!
