READINESS / RESPONSIBILITY / FOLLOW-THROUGH
Make Every Handoff Ready for Its Next Use.
A completed task is one part of a complete package. A successful handoff also gives the next team current information, completed reviews and the authorization needed for its intended use.
1. What Will the Next Team Do with It?
Identify the people receiving the information and the decision or task it supports. Confirm the required content, format, timing and access so the package fits the work they need to perform.
2. What Must Be Ready First?
Check required inputs, current revisions and decisions against the project’s requirements and existing execution plan. Record missing information and open constraints with an owner, next action and due date. Make their effect on readiness clear.
3. Who Reviews, Authorizes and Accepts It?
Identify who prepares the package, performs technical review, authorizes issue and confirms receipt or acceptance. These responsibilities may belong to different people. Keep each decision with the appropriate project authority.
4. What Evidence Shows Readiness?
Confirm that the package meets the criteria for its intended use. Retain the review and approval records, identify the exact revision, and verify that the authorized files are issued, posted and accessible to the intended recipients. A completed task or status label alone does not establish package readiness.
5. What Happens When Something Changes?
Use a defined process to notify affected teams, assess downstream impacts and route changes through the required review and authorization. Preserve earlier issues as history, clearly identify the current authorized revision and confirm that recipients know which version to use.
Try It with One Handoff
Choose a representative package and review these questions with the people preparing, reviewing and receiving it. Record the starting condition, open actions and one improvement to test. After the handoff, collect feedback and compare a useful measure—such as readiness at the planned date, review turnaround or clarification requests—to see what improved and what needs further attention.
Apply this guide within your project’s requirements, existing execution plan and authorized information-sharing arrangements. Technical review, acceptance and release remain with the designated project authorities.