As in all Phases it is wise to identify a Project Leader to manage document controls, lead audits and report to management.

Review Audit Results and Process Measures

When we pass down a street for first time, our minds are focused on reaching destination. Upon returning, we are able to notice things that were previously missed. Returning allows us to go through same path of original Discovery Phase in this different light.

This will involve reviewing audit results, process measures and customer satisfaction to determine possible adjustments to mission, objectives and action plans as well as effectiveness criteria. You will want to asses appropriateness of these elements now that you have completed your "outbound journey" through Planning, Development and Implementation Phases. What will you see differently? How will you prepare for cycle to begin again next year?

Culmination of Policies and Procedures Project

In Phase I, we learned how your organization specifies project mission, objectives and effectiveness criteria. Phase II entailed setting requirements for project tools, budgets and schedules to manage your project. Phase III taught us about identifying and testing processes within system. And in Phase IV we learned about learning. So now Re-Discovery Phase will culminate project that started 6-12 months ago (time certainly does go by quickly, doesn’t it?). And with these five phases completed, you will have undertaken perhaps quite a long process – but also one that will lead you to building (and maintaining) an effective management system.

Turning back to our example, what if you thought you were going to give a 10 percent discount and he thought it was 20 percent? What if you can't resolve it and he insists you provide discounted products? You will end up in court with dispute coming down to which party judge or jury believes. Are you really willing to take that gamble?

With even a simple written contract, you can create a clause containing language that states you will give a 10 percent discount. If dispute ends up in court, he is asked if his signature is on bottom, clause is read and you win. The contract should also contain a clause requiring "prevailing party" to be reimbursed for their attorneys fees and costs. In short, he has to pay your legal bills as well. An additional benefit to using a written contract is due diligence element. I realize you will be shocked to learn that there are unethical businesses. In negotiating a contract, very specific requirements are put in writing. What if other party starts squirming? It may be a sign they are unable to meet their obligations. Might that give you pause before you commit to tying up your inventory? You can save yourself a lot of headaches by discovering this information in advance.

In summary, even a simple written contract should be a mandatory bullet in your arsenal. Much like car insurance, you will be glad you have one if a business transaction falls apart.