The Kick of the First Day: Starting a New Project with Enthusiasm and Strategy

Starting a new project is like stepping into the unknown—exciting, but also filled with uncertainty. For many entry-level project managers, the first day on a new project can be overwhelming. You might not have a clear idea of what you're about to embark on. The stakeholders may be unfamiliar, the project plans may be nonexistent, and the only thing driving the project might be the enthusiasm of the project sponsor.

In today's world, where remote work has become the norm, finding your footing in a new organization can be even more challenging. You may not have the opportunity to walk into an office and immediately get a sense of the company's culture or meet your new colleagues face-to-face. This is particularly true in IT consultancy, where projects often involve new clients, new environments, and new challenges. So, how do you start?

Embracing the Uncertainty

The first thing to recognize is that feeling uncertain on the first day is normal. The questions that pop up—"Where do I begin?" "What do I do?" "Who do I need to talk to?"—are all part of the process. The key is to channel that uncertainty into action. For me, the kick of starting a new project is fueled by my passion for helping people improve their work lives. The projects I manage are designed to make work easier, faster, and more efficient, which ultimately leads to happier and more productive teams. This sense of purpose drives me to dive headfirst into the unknown and to connect with the people I will work with.

The Importance of People First

The first thing I do on a new project is get to know the people involved. This means understanding the organization, meeting the project team and identifying the stakeholders. Who are they? What are their roles? What level of involvement do they have in the project? Who do I need to get relevant information? By engaging with the stakeholders early on, I can hear firsthand what their most pressing needs and concerns are. This not only helps me understand the project's goals but also builds trust and rapport with the team.

Once I've spoken with the key players, I turn my attention to the project documentation. I review what has already been defined and identify any gaps that need to be filled. This is where the real work begins: completing and validating the documentation with input from the stakeholders. When you start by talking to people, you gain insights into what matters most to them. This information becomes invaluable as you check and validate the project's details.

Communication is Key

Effective communication is crucial from the very beginning. It's not enough to have one-on-one conversations with stakeholders; it's also important to bring the group together. Facilitating discussions among team members gives them the opportunity to align their goals and expectations. This collective understanding is essential for building a solid foundation for the project and helps you to avoid losing time trying to match meanings and priorities by yourself.

And remember: Make sure to ask all the questions you have, so that you can understand the context and background without the need of making assumptions.

The Real Kick: The Project Charter (or PID)

Once you feel that the project charter or Project Initiation Document is complete and that everyone is on board, the real excitement begins. This is when you're ready to start building the project plan and dive into the more detailed aspects of the project. The kick of the "project start" transitions into the kick of aligning, assessing, monitoring and communicating throughout the project's lifecycle.

The first day on a new project is just the beginning of an ongoing process of collaboration and adaptation. By focusing on people first, clarifying the project's scope, and ensuring open communication, you set the stage for success. And that initial uncertainty? It becomes the fuel that drives you to turn challenges into opportunities. So embrace the kick of the first day: it’s the spark that ignites the entire project journey.