2.2: Plan of Attack

Plan of Attack – How to Step Into Leadership (Before the Project Begins)

Becoming the Project Manager isn’t about knowing all the answers. It’s about knowing how to start when no one else does, how to create momentum, and how to build a system that others can rely on. The following Plan of Attack will help you take initiative, get organized, and lead your team into the project confidently—even if you're not 100% sure what to do next.

This section provides you with a step-by-step strategy to prepare for Milestone 1 by learning what it means to be a project manager, organizing your team, and setting the stage for effective collaboration.

Step 1: Understand the Role of the Project Manager

Before you can lead, you need to know what the job really is.

Your role is NOT to:

• Micromanage or control your teammates
• Be the smartest or most experienced person in the room
• Do everything yourself

Your role IS to:

• Keep the team moving forward
• Ensure everyone knows what they’re responsible for
• Organize, facilitate, and support—not dominate
• Communicate proactively with both your team and stakeholders
• Help the team recover when plans fall apart (they will)

If you need a grounding in PM roles, responsibilities, and mindset, see the Learning Resources section for a quick-start guide.

Step 2: Set Up Your Team for Success

Before you begin any milestone work, your team must establish the basics. Use these prompts and tools to organize your group effectively:

Task	Tool or Guide
Choose a team name and finalize members	None required, but team branding builds identity
Assign initial roles (PM, Analyst, Finance, IT, Presenter, etc.)	CBay_Team_Role_Assignment_Sheet.docx
Define how you'll work together: communication norms, file sharing, meeting structure	CBay_Project_Process_Planning_Sheet_With_Example.xlsx
Create a shared folder and agree on file naming	Use Google Drive, OneDrive, or SharePoint
Set your first internal deadline (before the real one!)	Add it to your shared calendar
Agree on your primary communication channel	Slack, Discord, GroupMe, email, or LMS tools

This setup work may feel “administrative,” but it will save your team hours later on. Most project problems aren’t technical—they’re organizational.

 Step 3: Review the Project Ahead

Before initiating your project in Chapter 1, take 30–60 minutes with your team to preview what’s coming:

• Read the Initiation Brief from Sukhjit Singh
• Skim the charter template, evaluation matrix, and presentation guide
• Ask: What skills do we already have on the team? What gaps exist?
• Discuss: What’s our biggest concern about Milestone 1?

This is your “pre-mortem”—a chance to surface confusion or gaps before deadlines hit.

Step 4: Practice Decision-Making Without Authority

You may not feel like a “real leader.” That’s normal.

But project managers make decisions not because they have all the power, but because someone needs to create forward motion. If you can help your team clarify, focus, and commit—you’re doing the job.

Try these low-risk starter decisions:

• “Let’s all review the charter template by Thursday, and I’ll start a first draft Friday.”
• “Jordan, would you be willing to take point on facilities research?”
• “How about we do a team check-in every Monday morning for 15 minutes?”
• “If someone can’t meet a deadline, let’s agree to communicate 24 hours in advance.”

You’re not telling people what to do. You’re creating shared clarity.

Step 5: Reflect Before You Lead

Use these questions to clarify your personal leadership style:

• When do I naturally step up—and when do I hesitate?
• Do I prefer to lead from the front, side, or behind?
• What strengths can I bring to this team beyond task completion?
• What do I need from my team to feel confident in this role?
• What will I do when things go off plan?

Write your thoughts down. Share them with your team if you're comfortable. Self-awareness is your first and most important leadership tool.

Tools You Should Complete Before Chapter 1

Before you dive into the C-Bay project, you should have:

• A completed Team Role Assignment Sheet
• A working Project Process Plan
• An active shared folder with naming system
• Your first internal deadline on the calendar
• A commitment from each team member to the group

This is your soft launch. Get it right now, and everything else becomes easier.