Have you ever been asked to take on a new project by your boss that involves managing a bunch of different stakeholders. Managing a project is a core competency for any manager. Often times you are managing stakeholders outside your organization. Sometimes you are managing people who are totally new to you.

You might think the first step is a project kick-off meeting. Your boss might suggest she convene the meeting. And she is trying to be helpful, letting everyone know you are managing the project. At first glance this tactic appears to be just what you need, clarity on your role to bring everyone together.

One trick can make the project kick-off so much more successful: the pre-wire conversation.

Before your project kick-off, meet with as many stakeholders as possible one-on-one. Reach out and let them know you are getting involved. Ask for their input and advice. Ask for their help. Listen to what they tell you. Establish a baseline for your relationship as someone who cares about their goals.

I have experienced first hand hosting a project kick-off without having pre-wire meetings. I recall running into relationship tensions I did not know existed. I thought the goals were clear and agreed upon. I spent the entire meeting in the crossfire and playing catch-up.

On the other hand, I recall recently kicking off a project for a client and talking on the phone with almost every stakeholder. I listened to their goals, and I heard their frustrations. I floated my understanding of the project goals, and learned immediately where there was agreement and where there was conflict.

As I entered the kick-off meeting, I knew more of the traps and relationship tensions than I did the week before. I was able to reference my conversations to help bring folks closer together.

Managing a project is a core competency for any successful manager. Hosting a project kick-off after having pre-wire meetings with your stakeholders will increase the likelihood you will get off on the right foot with both your relationships and the project goals.