Creating a schedule

Generic Schedule Example

The diagram below illustrates a generic 1 week Inception Schedule (which can be compressed or expanded as required for shorter / longer Inceptions).

To create your schedule, follow the steps in this chapter. See further guidance in our Planning an inception: deep dive.

1. Schedule sessions

To create the schedule, break down your agenda (created in the previous step) into individual sessions and turn them into a schedule like the one to the left, allowing for the framing, top and tail ceremonies.

Pro tips

2. Set the location

Inceptions are all about communication and building relationships. The location makes a big difference. By default, we opt for co-location especially for a new team or engagement. We have also run smaller inceptions with established clients very successfully with distributed teams.

Pro tips

3. Assign participants

Work with the right people. Ensure you have a good mix of decision-makers, subject matter experts and champions in the room, across all relevant areas of the business. Only then can you be successful. For each session, be clear:

  • Who you’ll want to attend from the core inception team (unless we’re talking very specific deep dives, the answer should be “all”)

  • Who will be leading / facilitating the session

  • Which client stakeholders you want to attend, and in what capacity

In Plan an inception: deep dive we provide further information on team composition and related considerations.

Pro tips

4. Finalise, communicate and confirm

Ensure that you have a well-balanced and flowing agenda that works for all stakeholders. This includes your team, as well as the client and other participants. We suggest that you createa presentation deck covering each step / activity to structure and guide the inception. This can also be used to capture, share and playback information.

5. Get ready

Make sure you’ve got your act together and are set up to succeed:

  • Organise your Inception facilitation Kit

  • Arrange travel and accommodation

  • Consider a dry run of the Inception

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