You are attending a presentation about a new project that your company is starting. The meeting has gone by quickly and some are simply nodding along. You don’t know what your responsibilities are for this project and how it will impact you or your company when the meeting ends.
This is where a good project manager steps in. You must be the one asking all the questions. You can make a positive impression on your superiors by being proactive. It could lead to you being given the chance to manage your own project.
PMQ has compiled a list of 10 questions that every great project manager should ask when starting a project.
What is the purpose of the project?
Any project should aim to achieve the desired outcome. The desired outcome must be clearly defined with a clear end date and a set amount of resources. This will help you create a strategy to meet your goal.
What is the budget for the project
This is a simple question, but it’s a complex one. How much money will you need to deliver the project on time? You will also need equipment, facilities, services and supplies to complete your project.
When is it necessary?
It is the time that your client or manager wants the project to be completed and delivered. Deadlines are important because they help you organize your tasks and achieve your goals.
What are the milestones of the project?
Although it may seem obvious and simple, it is an important aspect. It is important to know your schedule so you can stick to it while still allowing for flexibility. While the project deadline is a guideline, it is possible to change at any time. You should also anticipate any setbacks before setting a date. This will allow you and your team to devote your time to fine-tuning your project.
How will you define success for the project?
The success criteria are the criteria that will be used to judge the project’s success at the end. You and your stakeholders will need to define what success looks like.
What is the secret to making this project a success?
You can help your client set goals to determine the success of the project. These simple questions will help you set the team up for success within the budget, schedule, and satisfaction of key stakeholders.
Who are the key stakeholders for the project?
Identify the people you should report to and who is relevant to your project. These people are usually managers, clients, and team members.
Who else should be involved in the project?
It is important to know who will do each task and how much effort. This will help you plan your availability and estimate the time and cost of the project.
What are the main risks associated with the project?
Although we all want to see a project succeed, it is not always possible. The project’s outcome will need to be measured, whether it is increased sales, physical delivery, or some other measure. You will need an honest assessment of the impact of your project on the entire organisation.
Who will be the main point-of-contact?
You will be the primary point of contact for project managers. When a client has a question, you will be their primary contact. You will also report to the client’s managers and provide the most current information to your team.
These 10 questions will help to get the information you need about your project. What questions do you think are most important to ask project managers?
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