Initiating: identifying stakeholders, assigning the project manager, and holding the kickoff meeting

Alongside the charter, initiating identifies the people involved. The project manager is assigned as early as possible, ideally while the charter is being written, so they understand the reasoning behind the project and can help shape it. The charter records their authority: for example, whether they can approve spending up to a limit, choose team members or approve small changes. A project manager assigned only after planning is finished inherits commitments they never agreed to.