Here are what we consider to be the top 5 components: 1. ONE person as project manager. This might be an executive director, a clinical supervisor, a department head, or you might call them a "project lead." Even if they are not a formal project manager, a proactive leader who is managing and driving the project forward is imperative. 2. Documentation. Foundational documents like a project plan, a task list, and a RAID Log (RAID stands for risks, assumptions, issues, and decisions) serve your team in maintaining momentum, aid in team communication and risk mitigation, and track all of the project details. If your project gets put on hold temporarily, your documentation will help you pick up where you left off. 3. Strategic Alignment. Projects are more likely to be successful if they align with your organization's mission and values. Buy-in from leadership and staff is also more likely, creating alignment all the way around. 4. Empowerment. The project manager, likely has a regular role within your organization, making it vital that they have the necessary time and resources (including a capable project team and budget), and the authority to lead the team. The project team also needs to be empowered to contribute - it is counterproductive if a crucial project member is already overwhelmed, lacking the time to engage in project tasks. 5. Communication. Regular communication via meetings and other communication channels with leadership and your project team AND details supported by your documentation all lend to clear communication about project status and needs. Find out more about successful project planning and the top reasons projects fail in our next workshop: Project Management in Practice. Thursday, Aug. 17, 12 to 1:30 pm via Zoom. Free for New Mexico-based behavioral health professionals. Funding provided by New Mexico Behavioral Health Services Division. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay