A project kickoff is a structured session held at the start of a project to establish a shared understanding of what the project is intended to achieve and how the team will work together.

A project doesn't need a 50-page document to create clarity. One of the most useful things a project manager can do is bring the key information together in a single, practical view — a Project Plan on a Page. Get it right and it gives your team, stakeholders and sponsors a shared understanding of purpose, timeline, risks and decisions at a glance. Here's what to include, why it matters, and a free template to build your own.