Project Dialogs

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Creating a dialog

Project Dialogs are structured, recurring conversations designed to keep cross-functional teams aligned, accountable, and adaptive as they execute initiatives. 

Project Dialogs are held directly on the Project Page in Connections Online. Each dialog includes:

• Agenda and notes (carried forward from previous dialogs if needed)
• Relevant metrics
• Follow-up tasks
• Comment field for summary
• Schedule module to track dialog dates and outcomes

Unlike monthly dialogs held at the organizational, departmental, or individual level, Project Dialogs are recommended every two weeks to match the faster pace and evolving nature of project work.

Why Every Two Weeks?

Projects move quickly. Tasks shift, milestones approach, and new risks or opportunities emerge. A biweekly dialog cadence ensures:

• Timely course correction before issues escalate.
• Faster feedback loops for team collaboration and learning.
• Clear visibility into progress, scope, and resource use.
• Momentum and accountability through regular check-ins and follow-ups.

This rhythm supports agile execution while preserving strategic alignment.

Best Practice Agenda for a Project Dialog

Here’s a recommended structure for holding an effective Project Dialog in Connections Online:

Pre-Meeting

• Review any special agenda items or updates.
• Team members check off completed work in the system to ensure accurate status.

Check-In (5–10 minutes)

• Quick roundtable: How’s everyone doing?
• Surface any blockers or wins.
• Review Follow-Ups
  • Confirm completion of previous action items.
  • Reassign or adjust as needed.
• Emerging Issues
  • Discuss internal or external developments that may impact the project.
  • Consider risks, dependencies, or opportunities.

Project Progress / Issues / Outcomes (7–15 minutes)

• Review the past two weeks:
  • What did we achieve?
  • What did we learn?
  • How’s our teamwork?
• Progress to Plan:
  • Are we staying in scope, or is it creeping?
  • Are milestones and tasks on track?
  • Will we meet the established Evaluation Criteria?
  • Prepare the Comment Field
    • Summarize key insights, decisions, and updates for record keeping and visibility.
  • Preview the Next Two Weeks
    • What’s coming up?
    • What should we anticipate or prepare for?

Check-Out (3–5 minutes)

• Should the project continue?
  • Is it still in the best interest of the organization?
  • Is it worth the time and resources?
• Clarify all follow-up items.
• Check for any changes to the Project Connection.
• Add new Follow-Up Tasks.
• Select and load the date for the next dialog.