Before You Start: Project Launch Checklist
Goals, people, risks and communication — what to check before day one
Most projects that fail, fail at the start: unclear goals, the wrong people, risks nobody named. This checklist helps you launch with everything in place. Go through it with your sponsor and team, and do not start until each section is checked.
Four areas to check
— What a well-prepared launch covers
The checklist is organized into four areas. Click the markers to see what each one includes.
Goals and scope
— Agree on what success means
- The project goal is written in one or two sentences
- Success criteria are measurable: numbers, dates, quality
- Scope lists what is included and what is not
- The deadline and key milestones are agreed
- The budget is approved
People and roles
— Everyone knows what they are responsible for
| Role | Responsibility | Ready? |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor | Owns the business goal, approves changes | Named and available |
| Project manager | Plans, coordinates, reports | Assigned full-time or part-time |
| Team members | Deliver the work | Time allocated by their managers |
| Stakeholders | Are affected by the result | Listed and informed |
One owner per task
Shared responsibility often means nobody is responsible.
Time is confirmed
Team members’ managers agree on how much time they give.
Decisions have a path
Everyone knows who decides what — and how fast.
Risks
— Name them before they happen
Hold a 30-minute session: “What could stop us from reaching the goal?” Write down every answer.