6. June 2026

The Trailhead

The most critical point of every project!

Insert your cliché here...

If you don't know where you are going any path will get you there. If you fail to plan you are planning to fail. A goal without a plan is just a wish. Hope isn't a strategy...and on and on.

The best practice in starting any major project is to use a project charter. This ensures your organization is on the same page before a project kicks off. The PMI (Project Management Institute) says a project charter should include following:

• Requirements - what will be delivered?
• Business needs - why are we doing this project?
• Summary schedule - how long is this expected to take and when should we start?
• Assumptions and constraints - who is involved and what roles will they play?
• Business case, including return on investment - how will success be measured?

Think of the project charter as the trail map. Your group is deciding which route to take and agreeing on the length and difficulty of the hike. This is an important step in creating buy-in from your internal implementation team. This isn't the place to be autocratic. That is like choosing the route without ensuring your group is prepared. It also isn't the place to democratize decision making which can slow things down and lean towards an easier hike. As a senior leader in your organization, everyone looks to you to you as the executive sponsor. Facilitate the discussion with your business rationale and gather critical input from key employees. Incorporate key perspectives and constraints. Decide on the final path and begin preparation.

If you need a template to get started, shoot me an e-mail at:lorin.schrader@trailguide-consulting.com