Chapter 1
Plan for a Successful Liftoff

A business sponsor recognizes a new product need or direction. Finance authorizes the investment in people and resources. Managers identify a team to meet the need. Now what? A liftoff!

A liftoff is a meeting (or series of meetings) when everyone associated with a new product or effort comes together to define the initial intentions, approach, and plans, and to begin team building. Sometimes called a kickoff, boot camp, or a launch, a liftoff occurs as early as possible. Ideally, it happens before the team even starts work on a new effort—at the beginning is best. Problems inevitably arise later when a team starts without a clear purpose, alignment for teamwork, or understanding of context. In those cases, a retroactive liftoff can help a team regroup and get back on track.

In this chapter, you’ll discover the important facets of planning an effective liftoff, including how to determine if you’re ready to plan a liftoff and who does the planning. You’ll also learn about the considerations for agenda planning, whom to invite, and where to hold the liftoff.