The project kickoff meeting is a pivotal moment that sets the tone for the entire project lifecycle. It is the critical first step where vision is aligned, teams are energized, and the foundation for success is firmly laid. A poorly executed kickoff can lead to confusion, misalignment, and a rocky road ahead. The "The Art of Project Kickoff: Master the First 72 Hours for Project Triumph Training Course" is an intensive program designed to transform your approach to this crucial event, turning it from a simple meeting into a powerful launchpad for project success.

Over this 10-day training, you will gain the skills to orchestrate a kickoff that goes beyond introductions and project briefs. We will delve into strategic agenda-setting, stakeholder engagement, risk identification, and team charter development. By mastering these elements, you will not only ensure a smooth start but also build a shared sense of purpose and commitment among your team and stakeholders. By the end of this course, you will possess the expertise to kick off any project with confidence, clarity, and a powerful momentum that carries through to successful completion.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Project Managers
• Program Managers
• Team Leads
• Scrum Masters
• Business Analysts
• Project Coordinators
• Senior Project Team Members
• PMO Professionals
• Functional Managers
• Anyone responsible for project delivery

Objectives:

• Understand the critical importance of a project kickoff
• Master the art of planning and preparing for a kickoff meeting
• Learn to develop a compelling and engaging agenda
• Effectively manage stakeholder expectations from day one
• Build a high-performing project team charter
• Identify and address potential risks and dependencies
• Master communication techniques for a successful launch
• Develop a proactive mindset for project success
• Practice and refine kickoff skills through real-world scenarios
• Establish a clear path forward for the project team

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Kickoff Imperative

• The importance of a successful project kickoff
• The difference between a meeting and a kickoff
• The role of a leader in a kickoff
• The benefits of a well-executed launch
• The impact of a poor kickoff

Module 2: Strategic Planning

• The importance of a clear objective
• Techniques for a comprehensive kickoff plan
• The role of a pre-kickoff survey
• The benefits of a pre-mortem analysis
• The importance of a detailed agenda

Module 3: Agenda Development

• The importance of a compelling agenda
• Techniques for a high-impact agenda
• The role of a facilitator
• The benefits of a structured approach
• The importance of a clear and concise presentation

Module 4: Stakeholder Engagement

• The importance of a stakeholder analysis
• Techniques for engaging a difficult stakeholder
• The role of a stakeholder in a kickoff
• The benefits of a clear communication plan
• The importance of a strong relationship

Module 5: Team Building

• The importance of a team charter
• Techniques for team building activities
• The role of a project manager as a motivator
• The benefits of a collaborative environment
• The importance of a shared vision

Module 6: Project Scope and Goals

• The importance of a clear project scope
• Techniques for a clear and concise scope statement
• The role of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
• The benefits of a well-defined project
• The importance of a shared understanding

Module 7: Risk Identification

• The importance of a risk register
• Techniques for a proactive risk assessment
• The role of a project manager in risk identification
• The benefits of an early risk mitigation plan
• The importance of a continuous risk review

Module 8: Roles and Responsibilities

• The importance of a clear and concise RACI chart
• Techniques for a clear definition of roles
• The role of a project manager as a gatekeeper
• The benefits of a well-documented process
• The importance of a shared understanding

Module 9: Communication and Collaboration

• The importance of a communication plan
• Techniques for effective communication
• The role of a communication tool
• The benefits of a collaborative platform
• The importance of a single source of truth

Module 10: Logistics and Execution

• The importance of a clear logistics plan
• Techniques for a smooth meeting
• The role of a facilitator
• The benefits of a well-prepared team
• The importance of a follow-up plan

Module 11: The Post-Kickoff Phase

• The importance of a post-kickoff summary
• Techniques for a clear and concise report
• The role of a lessons learned session
• The benefits of a continuous improvement loop
• The importance of a feedback loop

Module 12: Kickoff for Different Methodologies

• The importance of a clear methodology
• Techniques for a kickoff in an agile environment
• The role of a scrum master
• The benefits of a flexible approach
• The importance of a clear and concise backlog

Module 13: Kickoff for Virtual Teams

• The importance of a virtual kickoff
• Techniques for a high-impact virtual meeting
• The role of a virtual facilitator
• The benefits of a collaborative tool
• The importance of a clear and concise communication plan

Module 14: Kickoff for Large-Scale Projects

• The importance of a scaled kickoff
• Techniques for a large-scale project
• The role of a program manager
• The benefits of a structured approach
• The importance of a clear and concise plan

Module 15: Case Studies and Simulations

• Analyzing real-world kickoff challenges
• Developing a kickoff plan for a case study
• Presenting your plan to a mock team
• The importance of a realistic scenario
• The role of a mentor in your development

Module 16: The Future of Kickoffs

• The impact of AI on project management
• The importance of emerging technologies
• The role of a leader in a changing world
• The benefits of a futuristic mindset
• The importance of preparing for what's next

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.