1. Context
Establish what is known, what is believed to be known and what has previously been communicated as known. Context should be sufficient to support alignment without reopening matters already considered closed.
USUAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Clarity, appropriately structured.
The Usual Method is a practical framework for communicating work across functions, levels and organizational boundaries without creating unnecessary ambiguity about the ambiguity that remains.
2. Alignment
Confirm that relevant stakeholders share a sufficiently similar understanding of the context. Alignment does not require agreement and should not be interpreted as approval.
3. Consideration
Identify matters requiring further thought, review, validation, socialization or other appropriate consideration before action is contemplated.
4. Ownership
Assign ownership of the next appropriate step. Ownership establishes a point of coordination. It does not imply accountability for execution unless explicitly stated.
Why Usual Uses It
The Method creates a common language for moving work forward while preserving appropriate flexibility as circumstances, stakeholders and operating models evolve.
Using the Method
Begin with Context. Seek Alignment. Document Consideration. Establish Ownership. Where ownership cannot be established, return to Context with an expanded stakeholder group.
The Usual Method
Context. Alignment. Consideration. Ownership.
A repeatable approach for communicating work clearly enough to continue.
01CONTEXTWhat do we understand?
02ALIGNMENTDo we understand it similarly?
03CONSIDERATIONWhat requires further consideration?
04OWNERSHIPWho owns the next appropriate step?
Ownership does not imply accountability for execution unless explicitly stated.USUAL METHOD · PRACTICE NOTE UM-04
When Alignment Cannot Be Reached
Return to Context.
Where alignment cannot be established, participants should revisit Context with an expanded stakeholder group. The process may be repeated until alignment is achieved, ownership is established or the matter is superseded by a change in circumstances.
CONTEXT→ALIGNMENT→CONSIDERATION→OWNERSHIP↺
Use the Notes for the Meeting before the Meeting to record the decisions and open questions from the preliminary conversation.
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