1. What problem are you solving?

The first question is: What problem are you trying to solve?

This is about being clear on value and intent – the why, of the project. Not the scope, not the deliverable, or the plan, they will come later.

This is the problem you are trying to solve or the possibility you are trying to create

Without a clear and concise description of why the project exists it will be harder than it needs to be.

It still surprises me how many projects don’t have a clear statement of the outcome that everyone can articulate.

The project team can be busy, committed and well-intentioned, yet hold very different views about why the work exists in the first place.

Try a simple test. Ask a few people to answer in 25 words or less: What is the purpose of this project? And pay attention to the variations in responses. If the answers diverge, the purpose isn’t clear enough.

Clarity of intent, particularly in complexity, cuts through the noise and energies the team.

It helps them make better trade-off decisions and stay aligned, especially under pressure.

So, as a sponsor, the first question you should be able to answer about any project is simply:

What problem are you trying to solve?