What to Ask in Week 1: Curator Onboarding Playbook

What to Ask in Week 1 as a Curator

Starting a new role as a Curator? Don’t waste time on generic onboarding. Within the first week, focus on gathering the intel you need to hit the ground running. This article will give you a checklist of questions, a framework for prioritizing your inquiries, and a script for initiating those crucial conversations—so you can start shaping outcomes immediately.

What You’ll Get From This Guide

A 15-item checklist of questions to ask during your first week, covering key areas like project status, stakeholder expectations, and risk mitigation.
A prioritization framework to help you focus on the most critical information first, saving you time and preventing information overload.
A sample email script to request introductory meetings with key stakeholders, ensuring you start building relationships from day one.
A list of quiet red flags to watch out for during your initial conversations, helping you identify potential issues early on.
A set of ‘language bank’ phrases to use in your early communications, projecting confidence and competence.
A 7-day proof plan to demonstrate your value quickly and build trust with your team and stakeholders.

Scope: What This Is and What This Isn’t

This is about actionable questions to ask and insights to gather in your first week as a Curator.
This is not a generic onboarding guide or a deep dive into Curator methodologies.
This is about setting yourself up for success by understanding the current landscape and building relationships.
This is not about technical training or specific tool tutorials.

The Curator’s Core Mission

A Curator exists to shape projects for stakeholders while controlling risk. In your first week, you need to understand the landscape of those projects, stakeholders, and risks.

The First Week: Information Gathering Mode

Your primary goal in week one is to gather critical information and build relationships. Don’t try to solve problems yet; focus on understanding the current state.

Checklist: 15 Questions to Ask in Your First Week

Use this checklist to guide your initial conversations. These questions cover key areas and will help you quickly get up to speed.

What are the top 3 priorities for the next quarter? Understanding the priorities helps you align your efforts. Output: A clear list of priorities.
What are the biggest risks to those priorities? Identifying risks early allows you to proactively mitigate them. Output: A risk register snippet.
Who are the key stakeholders for each priority? Knowing the stakeholders helps you build relationships and manage expectations. Output: A stakeholder map.
What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for each priority? Understanding the KPIs allows you to measure progress and demonstrate value. Output: A list of KPIs with target thresholds.
What is the current budget for each priority? Knowing the budget helps you make informed decisions about resource allocation. Output: A budget overview.
What is the current timeline for each priority? Understanding the timeline helps you manage expectations and track progress. Output: A project timeline.
What are the biggest challenges the team is currently facing? Identifying challenges allows you to offer support and find solutions. Output: A list of team challenges.
What are the biggest opportunities the team is currently missing? Identifying opportunities allows you to add value and improve outcomes. Output: A list of missed opportunities.
What are the key dependencies for each priority? Understanding dependencies allows you to manage risks and avoid delays. Output: A dependency map.
What are the key assumptions underlying each priority? Identifying assumptions allows you to validate them and adjust your plans accordingly. Output: A list of key assumptions.
What is the change control process? Understanding the change control process helps you manage scope creep and maintain project integrity. Output: A change control process overview.
What are the key communication channels and cadences? Knowing the communication channels and cadences helps you stay informed and aligned. Output: A communication plan.
What are the decision-making processes for each priority? Understanding the decision-making processes helps you navigate the organization and get things done. Output: A decision-making flowchart.
What are the key reporting requirements? Knowing the reporting requirements helps you track progress and communicate results. Output: A reporting schedule and template.
What are the key contractual obligations? Understanding the contractual obligations helps you manage risks and avoid legal issues. Output: A list of key contractual obligations.

Prioritization Framework: Focus on What Matters First

Not all information is created equal. Use this framework to prioritize your inquiries and focus on the most critical areas first.

Start with the priorities. Understand the overarching goals and objectives.
Then, focus on the risks and challenges. Identify potential roadblocks and develop mitigation strategies.
Next, build relationships with key stakeholders. Get to know the people who are most important to your success.
Finally, dive into the details. Understand the budgets, timelines, and dependencies.

Sample Email Script: Requesting Introductory Meetings

Use this script to reach out to key stakeholders and schedule introductory meetings. Personalize it to fit your style and the specific stakeholder.

Use this when scheduling initial meetings with stakeholders.

Subject: Introduction – [Your Name] – Curator

Hi [Stakeholder Name],

I’m [Your Name], the new Curator on [Project/Team]. I’m eager to learn more about [Project/Team]’s priorities and how I can contribute to your success.

Would you be available for a brief introductory meeting sometime next week? I’m flexible and happy to work around your schedule.

Looking forward to connecting.

Best regards,
[Your Name]

Quiet Red Flags: What to Watch Out For

Pay attention to these red flags during your initial conversations. They can indicate potential problems or challenges down the road.

Vague answers. If stakeholders can’t clearly articulate their priorities or challenges, it may indicate a lack of clarity or alignment.
Conflicting priorities. If different stakeholders have conflicting priorities, it may indicate a lack of coordination or communication.
Unrealistic expectations. If stakeholders have unrealistic expectations about timelines or budgets, it may indicate a lack of experience or understanding.
Resistance to change. If stakeholders are resistant to new ideas or approaches, it may indicate a lack of flexibility or innovation.
Lack of accountability. If stakeholders are unwilling to take ownership of their responsibilities, it may indicate a lack of commitment or engagement.

Language Bank: Phrases That Project Confidence

Use these phrases in your early communications to project confidence and competence. They demonstrate that you understand the role and are ready to take action.

“I’m focused on understanding the key priorities and how I can contribute to achieving them.”
“I’m eager to learn about the biggest risks to the project and how we can mitigate them.”
“I’m committed to building strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring alignment.”
“I’m looking forward to measuring our progress against key performance indicators and demonstrating value.”
“I’m ready to dive into the details and ensure that we’re on track to meet our goals.”

7-Day Proof Plan: Demonstrating Value Quickly

Follow this 7-day plan to demonstrate your value quickly and build trust with your team and stakeholders. Focus on delivering quick wins and making a positive impact.

Day 1: Listen and learn. Focus on gathering information and building relationships. Output: A list of key priorities, risks, and stakeholders.
Day 2: Identify a quick win. Find a small problem that you can solve quickly and easily. Output: A proposed solution to the quick win problem.
Day 3: Implement the quick win. Take action and solve the problem. Output: A solved problem and a happy stakeholder.
Day 4: Communicate the results. Share the results of your quick win with the team and stakeholders. Output: A brief communication highlighting the positive impact.
Day 5: Identify a process improvement. Find a process that can be improved to increase efficiency or effectiveness. Output: A proposed process improvement.
Day 6: Implement the process improvement. Take action and implement the improvement. Output: An improved process and a more efficient team.
Day 7: Communicate the results. Share the results of your process improvement with the team and stakeholders. Output: A brief communication highlighting the positive impact.

What a Hiring Manager Scans for in 15 seconds

Hiring managers quickly assess a Curator’s potential. They look for signals of strategic thinking, risk awareness, and stakeholder management skills.

Clear understanding of project goals: Can you articulate the project’s objectives and how they align with business strategy?
Risk identification and mitigation: Do you proactively identify potential risks and develop mitigation plans?
Stakeholder management skills: Can you build relationships with key stakeholders and manage their expectations?
Communication skills: Can you communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences?
Decision-making skills: Can you make sound decisions under pressure and with limited information?
Problem-solving skills: Can you identify and solve problems quickly and effectively?
Results-oriented mindset: Are you focused on achieving results and delivering value?
Continuous improvement mindset: Are you always looking for ways to improve processes and outcomes?

The mistake that quietly kills candidates

Failing to ask the right questions early on can be a silent killer. It leads to misunderstandings, misaligned priorities, and ultimately, project failure.

Use this line when asking for clarification on project goals.

“To ensure I’m aligned with your vision, can you elaborate on the key success metrics for this project? I want to make sure I’m contributing in the most impactful way possible.”

FAQ

What should I do if I get conflicting information from different stakeholders?

If you receive conflicting information, it’s important to address the issue directly. Schedule a meeting with the stakeholders involved and facilitate a discussion to clarify the priorities and align expectations. Use data and evidence to support your recommendations and drive consensus. Document the agreed-upon decisions and communicate them to the team.

How can I build trust with my team and stakeholders in my first week?

Building trust is essential for success as a Curator. Be transparent, honest, and reliable. Keep your commitments and follow through on your promises. Actively listen to the concerns of your team and stakeholders and address them promptly. Share your knowledge and expertise and offer support when needed. Celebrate successes and recognize the contributions of others.

What should I do if I identify a major risk that no one else has noticed?

If you identify a significant risk, it’s crucial to escalate it immediately. Document the risk, its potential impact, and your proposed mitigation strategies. Share your findings with your manager and key stakeholders. Be prepared to present your case with data and evidence. Work collaboratively to develop a comprehensive risk management plan.

How can I manage my time effectively during my first week?

Time management is critical for success. Prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important activities. Schedule your meetings strategically and avoid unnecessary interruptions. Delegate tasks when appropriate and empower your team to take ownership. Use time-blocking techniques to allocate specific time slots for different activities. Regularly review your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

What should I do if I don’t understand something?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It’s better to clarify your understanding than to make assumptions that could lead to mistakes. Ask your manager, your team members, or other stakeholders for clarification. Be specific in your questions and provide context to help them understand what you’re struggling with. Take notes and document the answers you receive.

How can I stay informed about project updates and changes?

Staying informed is essential for managing projects effectively. Attend regular team meetings and stakeholder updates. Review project documentation and reports. Subscribe to relevant communication channels and notifications. Proactively seek out information and ask questions when needed. Share your knowledge with your team and stakeholders to ensure everyone is on the same page.

What are some common mistakes that new Curators make?

New Curators sometimes make mistakes, such as failing to ask enough questions, making assumptions, or not building relationships with stakeholders. These mistakes can lead to misunderstandings, misaligned priorities, and ultimately, project failure. Avoid these mistakes by being proactive, communicative, and collaborative.

How can I demonstrate my value to the organization?

Demonstrating your value is crucial for career advancement. Focus on delivering results, solving problems, and improving processes. Track your progress and measure your impact. Communicate your successes to your manager and stakeholders. Seek out opportunities to take on new challenges and expand your skill set.

What are the key skills that I need to succeed as a Curator?

Key skills for a Curator include strategic thinking, risk management, stakeholder management, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving. Develop these skills through training, experience, and mentorship. Seek out opportunities to apply your skills in real-world situations and track your progress.

How can I build a strong network within the organization?

Building a strong network is essential for career success. Attend company events and meetings. Introduce yourself to colleagues and stakeholders. Volunteer for cross-functional projects. Offer your support to others and build relationships based on mutual respect. Stay in touch with your network and nurture your relationships over time.

What should I do if I encounter resistance to my ideas?

If you encounter resistance to your ideas, it’s important to understand the reasons behind the resistance. Listen to the concerns of others and address them with data and evidence. Be open to feedback and willing to compromise. Present your ideas in a clear and persuasive manner. Build consensus and gain buy-in from key stakeholders.

How can I stay motivated and engaged in my work?

Staying motivated and engaged is essential for long-term success. Find work that you enjoy and that aligns with your values. Set challenging but achievable goals. Celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. Take breaks and recharge your batteries. Seek out opportunities for professional development and growth.