# SPM Training Weeks 1–2
### Role Orientation, Observation & Client Meeting Standards Support
**Applies To:** Sr. Project Managers (In Training)
**Training Phase:** Initial Onboarding
**Authority Level:** Observation & Support Only
**Related Roles:** Executive Assistant (EA), Virtual Assistants (VAs)
### **PURPOSE**
This procedure defines the expectations for **Weeks 1–2** of Sr. Project Manager (SPM) training.
During this phase, the SPM focuses on **role understanding, observation, and support**, not leadership execution. Client meetings continue to be **led by the assigned Executive Assistant (EA)**. The SPM’s role is to assist, observe, and ensure meeting standards are upheld.
### **SCOPE**
This procedure covers:
- Role comprehension and responsibility boundaries
- Client meeting participation standards
- Observation of execution and systems
- Meeting quality support
- Training-stage communication and escalation
This phase does **not** authorize the SPM to lead client meetings or direct execution.
### **WEEK 1–2 TRAINING OBJECTIVES**
By the end of Weeks 1–2, the SPM should:
- Clearly understand the Sr. Project Manager role
- Clearly understand the Executive Assistant role
- Observe how EAs lead client meetings
- Learn CVA meeting standards
- Support meetings without taking control
## ❶ ROLE ORIENTATION & RESPONSIBILITY CLARITY
- sweetprocess.com/video/R2G5TEYdE.mp4sweetprocess.com/video/kjKMUD2aD.mp4
- Review and understand the Sr. Project Manager job description
- Understand that EAs are the **primary client-facing meeting leads**
- Understand how SPMs support EAs without replacing them
- Maintain strict role boundaries
**Key Rule:**
During Weeks 1–2, the SPM does **not** lead client meetings.
## ❷ CLIENT MEETING PARTICIPATION STANDARD
- All client meetings are led by the assigned EA
- Sets the meeting agenda
- Facilitates discussion
- Guides the client through priorities and next steps
- Closes the meeting with action items and ownership
**SPM Role in Meetings (Weeks 1–2)**
The SPM **may**:
- Attend meetings as an observer or support
- Assist with:
- Agenda adherence
- Time awareness
- Clarifying questions when appropriate
- Ensuring next steps are clearly stated
- Observe communication, pacing, and structure
The SPM **may not**:
- Facilitate or lead the meeting
- Redirect the meeting flow
- Commit to client decisions
- Override the EA during the meeting
## ❸ MEETING STANDARDS OVERSIGHT (SUPPORT ROLE)
- Observe whether meetings meet CVA standards:
- Agenda present
- Client goals discussed
- Clear next steps
- Ownership assigned
- Take notes on gaps or improvement areas
- Provide feedback to the EA **after the meeting**, not during
**Boundaries:**
- Feedback is supportive and instructional
- Corrections are not made live unless requested by the EA
## ❹ CLIENT & EXECUTION OBSERVATION
- Observe client communication patterns
- Review Worklenz and HubTasks boards to understand task flow
- Learn how EAs manage follow-ups and documentation
- Identify execution strengths and gaps
**Boundaries:**
- No independent task changes
- No direction to EAs or VAs yet
## ❺ SYSTEMS & DOCUMENTATION EXPOSURE
- Learn where client documentation lives
- Observe EA usage of:
- Worklenz and HubTasks
- Client dashboards
- Meeting notes
- SOPs
- Understand reporting expectations
This phase is **learning-focused**, not corrective.
## ❻ COMMUNICATION & ESCALATION (TRAINING PHASE)
- Ask clarifying questions
- Escalate confusion or concerns to leadership
- Do not escalate client issues directly unless instructed
- Use escalation as a learning tool
## ❼ WEEK 1–2 COMPLETION CRITERIA
### **WEEK 1–2 COMPLETION CRITERIA**
By the end of Weeks 1–2, the SPM should:
- Demonstrate clear understanding of EA vs SPM roles
- Respect EA ownership of client meetings
- Understand and observe CVA meeting standards
- Support meetings without interfering
- Ask informed, role-appropriate questions
### **IMPORTANT NOTES**
- Weeks 1–2 are **observation and support only**
- EAs remain the client-facing leaders
- SPM authority increases in later phases
- Role discipline here prevents confusion later
### **NEXT PHASE**
Completion of Weeks 1–2 prepares the SPM for:
- Guided participation in Weeks 3–4
- Limited co-leadership under supervision
- Increased responsibility with guardrails
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Source: SweetProcess DOCX export (Drive pack). Migrated to Eniston category Allied. Do not treat as dual source of truth with SweetProcess.