https://www.wrike.com/blog/10-phrases-that-can-ruin-your-project-kickoff-meeting/ - How you kick off your project matters. And how you say things gets everyone on the same page, and clarifies expectations, deadlines, and milestones. So watch what you say in order not to discourage your team. Here are 10 phrases you should never say in a project kickoff meeting.

1. at a Project Kickoff Meeting
10 Phrases to Avoid

2. Slide 2The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 210 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
How you kick off your project matters. It gets everyone on the same page and clarifies important
matters such as expectations, deadlines, and milestones. Which is why you have to watch what
you say in order not to discourage your team.
Read on!Here are 10 phrases you should never say in a project kickoff meeting:

3. Slide 3The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 310 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
There’s no concrete
deadline, but we need
this iteration done ASAP!
Say instead:
“This project has an approximate time frame
of X weeks. This phase needs to be completed
by (date). What can we do to finish it faster?”
Why:
When everything’s urgent, nothing’s urgent.
Better to have milestones and approximate
time frames.
#1

4. Slide 4The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 410 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
HOW you do it is irrelevant.
Just get it done.
Say instead:
“Dave, you’re responsible for this part. Follow
these guidelines: X,Y, & Z. Please finish it by
(date).”
Why:
Clarify guidelines instead of giving vague
instructions. Request, don’t order.
#2

5. Slide 5The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 510 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
Give this project 110%.
Say instead:
“Let’s combine our best efforts and do great
work — like I know we can!”
Why:
It’s overused and has no meaning anymore.
Also, it sounds like a lot of overtime.
#3

6. Slide 6The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 610 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
Say instead:
“This task is urgent. First thing we need to do
is X, then we can proceed to Y.”
Why:
Define priorities. Avoid jargon.
We need to start
actioning this item.
#4

7. Slide 7The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 710 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
Say instead:
“Let’s approach this problem from a different
angle.”
Why:
Cliche! Also, thinking inside the box can be
useful, too.
Let’s think outside
the box for this project.
#5

8. Slide 8The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 810 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
Say instead:
“Let’s complete the simplest tasks first
before tackling the more complicated ones.”
Why:
So overused your team will be displeased.
Let’s grab the low
hanging fruit first.
#6

9. Slide 9The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 910 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
John, aside from the
marketing, please keep
graphic design on your radar.
Say instead:
“John, please coordinate with the design team
on this task.”
Why:
Do you mean “coordinate,” “observe,” or
“monitor progress?” Clarify and simplify.
#7

10. Slide 10The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 1010 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
Say instead:
“Our project will stand out because of X, Y,
& Z.”
Why:
The kickoff meeting is not the place for hype.
Save it for social media.
This project will take the
industry to the next level.
#8

11. Slide 11The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 1110 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
Say instead:
“Let’s discuss this matter separately.”
Why:
If your meeting is face-to face, it doesn’t
make sense. And if your meeting is virtual,
you should clarify how you’ll communicate:
email, call, or face-to-face?
Let’s take this part
of the discussion offline.
#9

12. Slide 12The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 1210 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
Don’t worry about the problems.
We’re here to discuss solutions.
Say instead:
“We might face problems like X or Y.
To be ready for them, we need A and B.”
Why:
Neglecting risks will discourage your team
and make them fear difficulties. Better to
clarify potential risks so your team is ready.
#10

13. Slide 13The 6 Families of Project Management Methodologies Slide 1310 Phrases to Avoid at a Project Kickoff Meeting
Don’t believe us?
Read our free ebook
Now you know what NOT to say at
the kickoff. But if you’re still managing
projects using email and spreadsheets,
then you have much bigger problems
than saying the wrong thing. You’re
dooming your work to unnecessary
delays and miscommunications.

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