Review what the community makes possible
The Northstar example treats review as a learning conversation, not a numeric scorecard. Ask whether members brought relevant questions, could participate in ways that suited them, and left with ideas they could apply. Consider the facilitation effort alongside the value members describe.
The sponsor owns the decision; the facilitator gathers concrete examples and records the decision and its reason. Review at the agreed pilot point, or sooner if the purpose, audience, participation experience, or support effort changes enough to affect whether the community remains useful.
Qualitative review prompts
Ask for specific examples before deciding what comes next.
Relevance
Did topics reflect questions members actually encountered in their work?
- Ask which discussion felt most useful and why.
- Note topics members wanted but did not get to.
Participation experience
Could members contribute in ways that worked for them?
- Ask whose perspectives were heard.
- Check whether the format made it comfortable to ask questions or pass.
Practical application
Did a member try, adapt, or share an idea from a discussion?
- Invite one specific example.
- Record what helped or blocked applying the idea.
Inclusion and effort
Was the format workable for intended members and the people supporting it?
- Ask who found access or timing difficult.
- Discuss whether preparation and facilitation effort felt proportionate to the value described.
Choose a next step
Use member feedback and practical examples; record the rationale and any outstanding handoff.
| Details | Qualitative signal | Decision and rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Renew | Members describe relevant learning and want to continue. | Keep the purpose and format; agree the next review point. |
| Adjust | Topics matter, but timing, format, or participation needs improvement. | Change a specific element and revisit whether that change helped. |
| Pause | Members or facilitators cannot participate usefully right now. | Name the condition for a check-in before deciding whether to restart. |
| Sunset | The purpose is no longer relevant or the effort is not justified by the value described. | Tell members why, close outstanding follow-ups, and retain only useful, non-sensitive learning. |
Making the review useful
How can we gather feedback without turning it into a survey exercise?
Ask members for a concrete example of what helped, what did not, and what they would change. A short conversation or a few written reflections can be enough to inform the decision.
When should we revisit the charter?
Revisit it at the agreed pilot review, and sooner when the audience, purpose, format, participation boundaries, or level of support effort changes.
How should we communicate the decision?
The sponsor or facilitator shares the decision, the reasons members can act on, any changes to the format, and the owner of outstanding follow-ups.