Phase 1: Initiate & Identify

Phase 1: Initiate and Identify

This phase is where projects are won or lost before the real work even begins.

Most project problems that show up later, like misaligned expectations, surprise resistance, and unclear scope, trace back to a weak start. This phase is about building a solid foundation: getting aligned with your Sponsor, understanding the landscape, and making sure everyone knows the project is happening and why it matters.

Activities

3 activities
Roughly 2 to 3 weeks

Who's involved 

You + Sponsor + key stakeholders
Project/Change Manager leads

By the end you'll have 

3 things
Approved charter · key stakeholder list · announcement sent
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The activities

Work through them in order. Each guide gives you step-by-step instructions, templates, and tips.

The number 1 in a circle with a straight line below it.
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Initiate Project with Sponsor 
Arrow pointing right

Get aligned with your Sponsor before the project gains momentum. One well-run meeting gives you the context, clarity, and connections everything else depends on. 

~2 hours · You + Sponsor

Complete the Project Charter

Interview the key stakeholders your Sponsor named, fill in what you learn, and get the charter approved. This is the agreement everything downstream gets measured against.

~6 hours over 1 - 2 weeks · You + stakeholders

Send Initial Project Announcement

Put the project on everyone's radar with a Sponsor-sent message that signals leadership is behind it.

~1 hour · You draft, Sponsor sends

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Phase checklist

From Activity 1
  • Your Sponsor understands their role and has agreed to it
  • You have a named list of key stakeholders, including likely resisters
  • You have a starting list of potential project team members
From Activity 2
  • Every field on the One-Page Charter is filled in, or has a named owner and a date
  • You know how the change feels to the people it affects, not just how it looks on paper
  • Your Sponsor has approved the charter in writing
From Activity 3
  • The Sponsor has sent the Initial Project Announcement
  • Stakeholders know the project exists and why it matters

Right-size it: Every project is different. Smaller, simpler projects may not need every activity, template, or step in this phase. Not sure what applies to you? Ask Stu or book office hours and we'll help you scale it to fit.

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Stuck? Talk to a human.
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IPCM Methodology Overview

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Phase 2: Plan & Prepare