Some novel work doesn't have a clear home in the organization. Someone needs to do it, but it's unclear who that someone should be or how it should be done. Twilight engagements provide the someone and the how: we scope what is actually needed, figure out how to deliver it, execute, and deliver the results. (1–8 weeks)
Needs we take care of
An analysis of cross-cutting operational performance metrics has been requested, but there's no role in the organization with suitable scope of ownership to create it.
A one-time research effort is needed to inform a key decision with real world cost implications and nobody is sure where to start.
You have an important customer presentation coming up early next week that you're not prepared for as you spent this week fighting critical fires.
Shape of the engagement
Twilight engagements convert “I don't know” into “here it is”. We get the job done without you having to worry about competing priorities and existing work disruptions. Put almost any ask into the system and have confidence it'll be ready and waiting for you by the time you need it.
Both halves of the engagement loop on themselves. Intake and Framing return to one another as scope refines. Execution and Delivery return to one another as the result takes shape. The bridge between them is the moment understanding hands off to doing.
Intake
We meet, you describe the need, and we figure out together whether the engagement is something we deliver. Not every situation fits. When it does, we agree on scope, fees, and what success looks like.
Framing
You walk us through the situation in detail. We propose how to approach the work, what we will and will not do, what we need from you, and how we will know we are done. Framing produces the working agreement.
Execution
We do the work. The shape depends on what was scoped: research, analysis, a deliverable, a facilitated process, or something else entirely. We update you on a regular cadence so you can course-correct as we go.
Delivery
We hand off the result and walk you through it. If revisions are needed we make them. Delivery is not complete until you are equipped to use what we provided.
Working together
What we need from you
A clear point of contact who can answer questions and make decisions. An honest description of the situation and constraints. Time for two scheduled syncs per week and ad hoc questions as they come up.
How we stay in touch
Twice-weekly syncs by default, or whatever cadence the engagement actually needs. Direct communication for anything time-sensitive. A written record of what we are doing and why so nothing gets lost between sessions.
What you walk away with
The deliverable the engagement was intended to provide in a form you can use. A clear handoff so you know what to do with it. An honest assessment of what worked and what did not.
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