The Team Gets It Done Checklist for Managers
Finally, stop carrying the whole team on your back — this checklist helps turn every task into action.
Created by Kwan Howard for the Management Mechanics™ Program
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© 2025 Kwan Howard. All Rights Reserved. Part of the Management Mechanics™ Program.
The Team Gets It Done Checklist for Managers
Finally, stop carrying the whole team on your back. Use this checklist to turn every task into action.
🔹 Step 1: Before You Assign Work
  • Did I make today’s priority clear in one sentence?
  • Have I limited focus to no more than 3 key outcomes?
  • Did I prepare a simple way to track progress visibly (whiteboard, shared doc, group chat)?
🔹 Step 2: While Giving Direction
  • Did I name a single owner for each task (never “the team”)?
  • Did I define what done looks like (clear deliverable)?
  • Did I set a specific deadline (not “ASAP”)?
  • Did I confirm understanding by asking the owner to repeat it back?
🔹 Step 3: After the Discussion
  • Did I log all tasks with Owner → Deliverable → Deadline?
  • Did each owner acknowledge their commitment publicly?
  • Did I share a visible recap so no one forgets?
🔹 Bonus: When Things Slip
  • Did I follow up with questions, not blame? (“What’s blocking you?”)
  • Did I reset expectations with a new owner, deliverable, or deadline if needed?
© 2025 Kwan Howard. All Rights Reserved. Part of the Management Mechanics™ Program.
How to Use
Print this checklist or keep it on your phone. Use it whenever you assign tasks or lead team priorities. If you can check every box, you'll walk away knowing:
  • Your team owns the work (not you).
  • Priorities are clear.
  • Targets have real accountability.
Use Checklist
Before, during, and after assigning work
Delegate Clearly
With specific owners and deadlines
Track Progress
Visibly and consistently
Achieve Results
With team ownership and accountability
Before You Assign Work
1
Make Today's Priority Clear
Did I make today's priority clear in one sentence?
2
Limit Focus
Have I limited focus to no more than 3 key outcomes?
3
Track Progress Visibly
Did I prepare a simple way to track progress visibly (whiteboard, shared doc, group chat)?
© 2025 Kwan Howard. All Rights Reserved. Part of the Management Mechanics™ Program.
While Giving Direction
Single Owner
Did I name a single owner for each task (never "the team")?
Define "Done"
Did I define what done looks like (clear deliverable)?
Specific Deadline
Did I set a specific deadline (not "ASAP")?
Confirm Understanding
Did I confirm understanding by asking the owner to repeat it back?
After the Discussion
1
Log All Tasks
Did I log all tasks with Owner → Deliverable → Deadline?
2
Public Commitment
Did each owner acknowledge their commitment publicly?
3
Share Visible Recap
Did I share a visible recap so no one forgets?
When Things Slip
Ask Questions, Not Blame
Did I follow up with questions, not blame? ("What's blocking you?")
Reset Expectations
Did I reset expectations with a new owner, deliverable, or deadline if needed?
© 2025 Kwan Howard. All Rights Reserved. Part of the Management Mechanics™ Program.
Call to Action
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© 2025 Kwan Howard. All Rights Reserved. Part of the Management Mechanics™ Program.