What is the initial step that an information security manager would take during the requirements gathering phase of an IT project to avoid project failure?

ISACA CISM Exam syllabus in brief:

Information Security Governance    
A. Enterprise Governance
B. Information Security Strategy

Information Security Risk Management    
A. Information Security Risk Assessment
B. Information Security Risk Response

Information Security Program    
A. Information Security Program Development
B. Information Security Program Management

Incident Management    
A. Incident Management Readiness
B. Incident Management Operations