CONFIDENTIAL // VANGUARD ASSESSMENT
Standard project status reports are designed to hide risk. This template is intended to expose it.
Instructions: Walk the floor. Talk to developers. Talk to users. Fill this out. You have 1 page.
SECTION 1: THE TRUST TEST (The "Gut Check")
Based on the MISSION™ Protocol.
The Question: Look around the project room. Would you go into a potentially career-threatening battle with the people sitting at this table?
NOTE: If NO, stop here. The project is already failing. Proceed to Verdict.
SECTION 2: THE GOVERNANCE GATE (OSSICPOET™ Audit)
Binary Assessment: There is no "Amber." It is either True (Pass) or False (Fail).
| Pillar | The "Vital Few" Check | Pass / Fail |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome | Can the team articulate specific business value in 30 seconds? | |
| Sponsor | Does the Sponsor have "skin in the game" and make timely decisions? | |
| Solution | Is the scope focused on the "Vital Few" (no complexity/bloat)? | |
| Investment | Does the business case meet the mandatory ROI threshold? | |
| Communication | Is bad news reported instantly? (Safe Haven culture?) | |
| Plan | Is the roadmap fact-based, with releases under 3 months? | |
| Organization | Do we have the talent and bandwidth to execute? | |
| Execution | Are ETCs (Estimates to Complete) rigorous and realistic? | |
| Technology | Does it meet standards to minimize TCO? |
SECTION 3: THE UNVARNISHED TRUTH
List the top 3 structural risks that no one is talking about.
SECTION 4: THE VERDICT
Final Recommendation:
Partner Insight: Why This Works
- Binary Constraint: Removes the "Watermelon" effect. There is no place to hide.
- Battle Framing: High Character is a better predictor than spreadsheets.
- One Page Constraint: Forces synthesis and mastery of the problem.