Arun Nithyanandam
This is a series of posts, if you haven’t read the earlier ones, please read it here.
Part 1: Overview
Part 2: Client and Primary Sponsor Introduction
Part 3: Supporting Structure Introduction
Part 4: Vendor Introduction
Part 5: Project Manager Introduction
Whether you’re a member of the client team or the vendor team, it’s important to ensure that the introduction of the vendor’s project manager goes smoothly.
• Who will introduce the vendor’s project manager?
• What must be said to establish the person’s technical competence?
• What stories can be shared to build credibility and showcase experience?
• What can be said to present the project manager as a likeable and trustworthy person?
We’ve seen entire vendor teams polish and rehearse the introduction of the project manager, and really, it’s a smart move. A well-crafted introduction will go a long way in building the identity of the project manager within the user community. It sets the groundwork where the project manager is seen as a leader and a visionary—someone who can truly resolve concerns and issues on behalf of the stakeholders, sponsors, and users.
Let the PM Shine
Once the vendor’s project manager has been introduced, it’s time to let that person lead the kickoff and present key processes:
• Communication strategies
• Adoption strategies
• Change management strategies
• Escalation processes
• User Boards
These topics provide a long-term foundation for communication and the ground-rules for future conversations. If you want to distinguish yourself through a successful project kickoff, you must establish communications and trust.
Next week on these pages: Shine, Shine, and Succeed.
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About the Author
Arun Nithyanandam is a Strategy and Management Consultant based in Silicon Valley. Arun has managed multiple multi-million dollar IT projects in US and Europe across verticals. His current focus areas are Enterprise Contract Management Systems (deploying Nextance proposal-to-revenue and source-to-savings solutions to help companies improve financial performance and lower risk) and Enterprise Content Management Systems. Arun works with CIGNEX Technologies, a provider of Open Source based enterprise content management solutions.
During his spare time (if any) Arun enjoys hiking and reading.
Arun is currently working on a book (co-authored with Bill Sherman) code named “Managing Multi-million dollar projects” to be published in 2008.
For the collection of all Arun’s articles, please visit Squidoo Lens Arun Says
