During a project kickoff meeting, what is the role of subject matter experts who provide advice to the project team?

In a project kickoff meeting, subject matter experts (SMEs) play the role of being consulted. Their primary function is to provide specialized knowledge and insight that can help the project team make informed decisions. SMEs bring expertise in specific areas relevant to the project, which can guide the planning and execution phases.

When they are consulted, they share their perspectives, answer questions, and offer advice that can significantly impact the project’s direction. This interaction ensures that the project team has access to the necessary knowledge that may not be available within the team itself. Engaging with SMEs early in the project helps identify potential challenges, best practices, and strategies that could enhance the project’s success.

In contrast, roles such as accountable, informed, or responsible typically imply different levels of engagement and responsibility. Those who are accountable bear the ultimate responsibility for project outcomes; those who are informed are kept updated but do not provide input. Meanwhile, responsible individuals are tasked with the execution of specific project tasks. None of these roles aligns with the advisory function of SMEs in the context of a kickoff meeting.