When We’re Done…
Most would call it a day, but may not be the best way. So, we put the effort into project closeout.
For us, this means making a list of final deliverables, storing them where the client prefers, writing handover instructions, and documenting lessons learned.
Occasionally, this may involve returning access badges and laptops to the client.
While the tangible handover tasks are a priority, we think having lessons learned conversations are important but often forgotten.
Here are the most important Closeout activities.
Deliverable Traceability Matrix
It’s easy to forget something or where you put it. To avoid this, we use a Deliverable Traceability Matrix.
There’s nothing magical about this, just know that a small effort and can make a big difference. This way, the clients know they got everything that asked from us.
Click below to see a sample Deliverable Traceability Matrix.
Lessons Learned
Months after this project wraps, we’re going wonder how we solved a sticky problem—but can’t remember it. Or the returning client who asks what voice we used to narrate a video. Or simply, what did we learn from working with a particular vertical.
Again, this is easy. Get the team together, brainstorm the takeaways, write it up, then we put it where we can find it. It will come in handy months down the road.
Click below to see a sample Lessons Learned document.