Set the Next Checkpoint

WHY IT WORKS

Without a scheduled next step, projects stall in the gap between conversations. A checkpoint with a date and a purpose creates a natural deadline for actions, gives a reason to follow up and reveals early when something is slipping.

WHEN TO USE IT

• Projects lose momentum between meetings.
• A decision is pending and could drift.

WHEN NOT TO USE IT

• The work is complete and further meetings would waste time.
• The other side has asked for space and a checkpoint would feel intrusive.

SIGNALS IT FITS

• Weeks pass between updates with no plan.
• You often ask 'where are we with this?'.

PREPARATION

• Decide what needs to be true by the next checkpoint.
• Have calendar availability ready.

STEP BY STEP

1. Before the meeting ends, propose the next checkpoint date.
2. State what should be done by then.
3. Send the invite during or right after the meeting.
4. Start the checkpoint by reviewing those actions.

OPENING LINE

“Before we finish, let's put the next check-in in the diary.”

SCRIPT

Let's check in on the 21st. By then, we'll have the vendor shortlist and your feedback on the budget. Does 10am work?

LIKELY RESPONSES & COUNTERS

If they say they will let you know when ready

Suggest a tentative date that can move, so it doesn't disappear.

If they accept the checkpoint

Send the invite immediately.

SECOND MOVE

If the checkpoint arrives and actions are not done, use Name the Missed Commitment.

FOLLOW-UP

Send a short agenda the day before the checkpoint.

COMMON MISTAKES

• Scheduling checkpoints with no stated purpose.
• Cancelling your own checkpoints.

WALK-AWAY CONDITIONS

• Checkpoints are repeatedly cancelled with no new date.

EXAMPLE (FICTIONAL)

A consultant whose projects routinely stalled began ending every call by sending a checkpoint invite. Her average project duration dropped by three weeks.

RELATED MOVES

• Move 1: Name the Decision
• Move 15: Propose the Next Step Yourself
• Move 65: Turn Maybe into a Date