Agony Angels: Project Kick-off Meeting with Adriana Girdler

How can I create a really good Project Kick-off Meeting? That’s the question Adriana Girdler and I tackle, as we don the wings of two Agony Angels.

Welcome to my guest, Adriana Girdler. At the start of the session, we pick a random number. That will point us to a question from my community about Project Management. We discuss it, and end up with some practical suggestions.

The full question is: 

‘My project manager has asked me to arrange the Kick-off meeting, and plan it all out. None of the ones I’ve been to have been much good. How can I make this one really good?’

This video is safe for viewing in the workplace.

This is learning, so, sit back and enjoy

About Adriana Girdler

Adriana Girdler is one of Canada’s foremost business productivity specialists. Armed with a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt and over 20 years of experience in productivity and process improvement methodologies she launched her company CornerStone Dynamics in 2008. Adriana has worked in various industries, leading companies to improve what they do, how they do it, and their bottom line.

She also holds both PMP (Project Management Professional) and CET (Certified Engineering Technologist) designations.

Adriana is an entrepreneur, professional speaker, workshop leader, and TEDx speaker, and has her own YouTube channel. She has appeared on television and radio.

Adriana is passionate about improvement and efficiency, in both people and organizations.

Connect with Adriana Girdler

• YouTube Channel
• Website
• Business website
• LinkedIn

What we Discussed

• 00:00 – Agony Angels with Adriana Girdler
• 00:36 – How it works
• 01:12 – The question for Adriana Girdler today: Project Kick-off meeting
• 01:34 – Adriana Girdler’s first reactions
• 03:23 – Project Kick-off meeting – first step
• 05:18 – Project Kick-off meeting as a workshop
• 06:35 – Project kick-offs build relationships
• 07:31 – What are your tips for making the kick-off meeting go well on the day?
• 08:50 – Facilitation Skills for Project Managers
• 12:12 – How to close your Project Kick-off meeting
• 15:03 – Review of Adriana Girdler’s answer
• 15:43 – Getting in touch with Adriana Girdler

Recommended Videos

Carefully curated video recommendations for you:

• Good Meetings don’t Happen by Chance | Video
• 5 Tips for Better Meetings | Video
• How to Run a Great Project Team Meeting | Video
• How to Facilitate a Meeting | Video
• Onboarding a New Team – with Elizabeth Harrin | Interview

And, for a full article on a Project Kick-off Meeting, read:

Project Kick-off Meeting: How to Make Your Next One a Huge Success

What Kit does a Project Manager Need?

I asked Project Managers in a couple of forums what material things you need to have, to do your job as a Project Manager. They responded magnificently. I compiled their answers into a Kit list. I added my own. 

Check out the Kit a Project Manager needs

Note that the links are affiliated.

Learn Still More

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For more of our Project Management videos in themed collections, join our Free Academy of Project Management.

For more of our videos in themed collections, join our Free Academy of Project Management.