Prepare the record
Before the conversation, look through your commitments, evidence and feedback. Pick one result you can explain, one obstacle worth discussing and one decision for the coming week. Share only the information appropriate for your group.
Use a short, repeatable agenda
Try this agenda as a starting point, then adjust the timing to the size of your group.
- Opening: each person names one meaningful result.
- Review: compare declared outcomes with the evidence and feedback.
- Obstacles: identify a recurring blocker and a practical response.
- Next week: choose a milestone and the first daily action.
- Close: confirm who needs help and when you will check in again.
Ask useful questions
Ask what changed, what was learned and what would make the next attempt easier. Avoid turning the conversation into a comparison of personalities or a ranking of people.
- Which commitment was clear enough to act on?
- Where did the actual work differ from the plan?
- What can be reduced, rescheduled or clarified?
- What specific support would help next week?
Separate progress from the fine ledger
A group can review work whether fines are enabled or not. If your group uses fines, discuss its rules clearly and handle any disputes through the available process. A recorded fine does not explain every reason a commitment was missed.
Leave with one next step
Finish by recording the next milestone or daily commitment. For example: ‘By Tuesday, I will revise the proposal’s research question and attach the updated paragraph.’ The next review then starts with a clear point of reference.