- Find an internal, executive sponsor.
Every organization has naysayers. An executive who's on your side will "kick down doors" and help keep people motivated and focused. - Establish a governance structure.
Create a steering committee for strategic decisions and a project management office for day-to-day issues. Appoint a chief resource officer to ensure the best mix of skills. - Identify the decision makers and stakeholders.
They may not be the same people. Some will be against the project. A successful executive sponsor will keep all sides informed. - Visit your new partner and its host country.
Travel and look around. Acting like a tourist even for a little while will help you understand the culture you'll be working with. - Set employee policies.
HR will need to know how many employees are going to be redeployed, transferred -- or let go. - Communicate clearly.
Speaking with clarity to everyone involved is the most important factor.
This was first published in May 2005