Phase 5: How’d We Do? (And Why It’s Risky Not to Ask) / Don't Skip This Step

Series Note: This is Part 5 of a five-part series exploring the phases of the Collaborative Action Model—a framework I developed to help mission-driven leaders move from possibility to impact through purposeful collaboration. If you missed any of the earlier phases, reply to this email and I’ll send them your way.

Phase 5: How'd We Do?

By now, the shared vision is clear, the collaboration has launched, and the joint work is underway. But here’s the hard truth: just because something is happening doesn’t mean it’s working.

Phase 5 invites partners to pause and ask:

• Are we actually making progress toward our shared goals?

• Are the needs and interests of the individual entities still being served?

• Are our relationships still healthy and productive?

• Is this still a good use of each party’s time and energy?

  
  

Smart collaborations build in time to reflect—not just after things go wrong, but as a regular part of doing the work well.

Key Principles

• Be proactive. Make space for regular check-ins that explore both project milestones and partnership health. Don’t wait for cracks to show.

• Include a range of voices. To truly understand how the collaboration is going, gather diverse perspectives: the doers, champions, sponsors, and skeptics. Do the doers have what they need? Are champions still enthusiastic? Are sponsors still aligned?

• Practice early detection. Treat small signals—missed deadlines, vague updates, or disengaged partners—as invitations to check in before issues escalate.

• Commit to continuous improvement. See feedback as a tool, not a threat. Adjustments made now can preserve both momentum and relationships.

Important Cautions

• Silence is deadly. If no one speaks up—or if everyone insists everything is “fine”—it may signal avoidance or disengagement. Ask better questions. Invite real feedback. Make it safe to surface concerns.

• Don’t wait. Evaluation isn’t something to save until the end of a collaboration. Like a thermostat adjusting to changing temperatures, effective collaborations require steady attention and adjustment along the way.

When done well, Phase 5 doesn’t just protect collaboration—it strengthens it. And, a strong collaboration now means even richer opportunities in the future.

Click here for your download of my Collaborative Action Model

If you’re tired of disappointing collaborations that fail to meet their promise or potential, I can help. Reach out for a zero-pressure conversation about your situation.