> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://usdr.gitbook.io/digital-service-toolkit/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://usdr.gitbook.io/digital-service-toolkit/launch-your-digital-team/keep-the-momentum-going.md).

# Keep the Momentum Going

Sustain progress by regularly revisiting priorities, tracking outcomes, and adapting as you learn

## Recognize progress and keep moving forward

You're already doing great with all the efforts that you've made to get here! Meaningful change in government usually happens gradually, and building a digital service will definitely not be a straight line.

Take time to reflect on what's working, where you're encountering challenges, and what you're learning along the way. These moments of reflection can help you maintain momentum, make informed adjustments, and continue moving toward your goals.

### Stay aligned and engaged

#### Keep stakeholders informed

* Share regular updates on progress, challenges, and key decisions
* Create space for ongoing input and feedback
* Reinforce shared ownership of outcomes

<details>

<summary><mark style="color:orange;"><strong>Sample</strong></mark> <strong>Progress Update Template</strong></summary>

**What we've accomplished**

* Key milestones reached
* Notable successes

**What we're working on next**

* Current priorities
* Upcoming activities

**Challenges or risks**

* Issues affecting progress
* Support or decisions needed

**How you can help**

* Feedback requested
* Decisions needed from stakeholders

</details>

{% hint style="info" icon="head-side-gear" %}
Keep updates concise and tailored to your audience
{% endhint %}

#### Schedule regular check-ins

* Bring stakeholders back together at least twice a year, ideally quarterly
* Review progress against priorities and commitments
* Revisit assumptions and emerging needs

<details>

<summary><mark style="color:orange;"><strong>Sample</strong></mark> <strong>Quarterly Check-in Agenda</strong></summary>

**Duration:** 60–90 minutes\
**Participants:** Key stakeholders, decision-makers, team leads, and anyone responsible for advancing priority actions

**1. Review progress (15–20 minutes)**

* What progress have we made since the last check-in?
* What milestones or accomplishments should we celebrate?
* How are we performing against our goals and measures?

**2. Discuss challenges and lessons learned (15–20 minutes)**

* What obstacles or risks have emerged?
* What isn't working as expected?
* What have we learned that should inform our next steps?

**3. Gather feedback and identify opportunities (15–20 minutes)**

* What feedback have we received from staff, users, or stakeholders?
* Have priorities, needs, or constraints changed?
* Are there new opportunities worth exploring?

**4. Adjust priorities and actions (15–20 minutes)**

* What should we continue, stop, start, or change?
* Do any goals, measures, or timelines need to be updated?
* What actions should be prioritized before the next check-in?

**5. Confirm ownership and next steps (5–10 minutes)**

* Who is responsible for each action item?
* What decisions were made?
* When will we meet again

</details>

{% hint style="info" icon="head-side-gear" %}
Schedule these sessions in advance and include decision-makers whenever possible
{% endhint %}

### Learn from progress

#### Track and review progress

* Revisit the measures you defined and assess progress
* Identify what's improving, what's stalled, and where additional support is needed
* Compare results against your intended outcomes

{% hint style="info" icon="head-side-gear" %}
Focus on learning and adjust measures that are no longer useful
{% endhint %}

#### Reflect and reassess

* Gather feedback from stakeholders, teams, and users
* Discuss what's working well, what isn't, and why
* Identify lessons learned and opportunities for improvement

<details>

<summary><mark style="color:orange;"><strong>Sample</strong></mark> <strong>Reflection Questions</strong></summary>

* What's working well that we should continue?
* What's not working as expected?
* What have we learned since our last review?
* What feedback are we hearing from users and stakeholders?
* What should we start, stop, or change moving forward?

</details>

{% hint style="info" icon="head-side-gear" %}
Look for patterns and root causes, not just symptoms
{% endhint %}

### Adapt and sustain momentum

#### Adapt and iterate

* Refine priorities and actions based on what you've learned
* Add, remove, or shift focus as needs evolve
* Update plans to reflect new information and changing circumstances

{% hint style="info" icon="head-side-gear" %}
Expect priorities to evolve and treat this as continuous improvement
{% endhint %}

#### Reinforce this as ongoing work

* Position digital services as a long-term organizational capability, not a one-time project
* Continue building relationships across teams
* Maintain focus on the outcomes you're trying to achieve

{% hint style="info" icon="head-side-gear" %}
Use each check-in to strengthen alignment and connect progress to broader goals
{% endhint %}

#### Celebrate wins and keep moving forward

* Acknowledge milestones and accomplishments
* Share stories of impact and improvement
* Recognize the contributions of teams and stakeholders

Every improvement, ***no matter how small***, is a step toward delivering better services for the people you serve. Celebrating progress can help sustain energy and commitment over the long term. Keep it going!!
