Everything you need to include in your plan for project success!
Are you taking the lead on a project and you need to create a killer project plan? If you want to master that project, you need to know how to create a solid project plan that you can execute effectively. Creating a project plan is more than just getting the project and having a great kickoff meeting. It requires you to document a variety of elements that will inform how your team goes about delivering the project.
If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to project planning, I’m here to outline the key elements of a fantastic project plan. I’ve planned tons of projects in the exact way that I’m about to share with you and have repeatedly seen success on projects because of it.
So, let’s get to those key project plan elements!
1 – Project goals and deliverables
You may be thinking this is obvious, but it’s important not to assume you understand project goals and deliverables before you’ve really clarified them. Get this information from the sponsor (that’s the person in charge of the project). When you don’t understand project deliverables, you only set yourself up for failure. So, make sure you don’t skip this step!
2 – Scope statement
In the ideal world, the project sponsor would have given this to you, but it doesn’t always happen that way. So, you’ll need to create your scope statement with the project sponsor.
The scope statement is a pivotal part of your project plan because it tells you exactly what you need to deliver and it keeps everyone on the same page. The scope statement is a very critical component of project management.
3 – Team confirmation
Based on the scope statement, you’ll need to identify who you need to have on your project. Find out which team members will be on the project full-time and part-time. You’re going to need this information to determine what work everyone can do. This will inform the capacity to which each team member can participate.
Additional Project Plan Elements
But wait, there’s more! We can’t forget about these elements of project plans:
- Project assumptions & risks
- Project timing
- Project costs
- Kickoff meeting (and WHEN to have the kickoff meeting)
- Project tasks
- Project plan approval
- Project plan execution
Sound overwhelming? Don’t worry, I’ll make it a little easier for you. I created a video breaking down each of these elements for you in detail so that you can be equipped with all you need to know to create a killer project plan.
So, if you’re still serious about making that project successful, don’t stop here! Head on over to the video with me so that we can get you set up to create the project plan that will allow you to hit the ground running.
I really hope that you found this helpful – and if you did, it would mean so much to me if you would share it on your social media.
Meanwhile, if you really are committed to mastering your next project, do consider taking my SLAY Project Management online course where I show you step-by-step how to successfully manage a project, plus you get access to every template you will need, along with detailed video instructions on how to fill them out.
-Adriana
