A lightweight route from idea to follow-up

This example workflow helps a message owner and channel editor coordinate routine updates. It shows practical handoffs; it is not a formal approval policy. Agree who owns accuracy, who reviews the draft, and who checks the result for each communication.

Publish in six clear steps

Keep the audience, action, and final version aligned from draft to follow-up.

  1. 1

    Define the audience and action

    Write down who needs the update, what they should do, and when the action applies.

  2. 2

    Choose the primary channel

    Select a channel the intended readers can access; add a supporting route only to close a real gap.

  3. 3

    Draft and check access

    Put the audience and action near the start. Check plain language, links, permissions, and alternative access.

  4. 4

    Coordinate review

    Ask the message owner to verify operational details and the channel editor to check format and placement.

  5. 5

    Publish and point to the source

    Use the agreed channel and direct readers to the current reference when detailed instructions need to remain findable.

  6. 6

    Capture follow-up

    Record questions, missed audiences, or confusing steps so the next update can improve.

Example role handoff

Illustrative responsibilities for the Northstar device-request update.

Role Example responsibility Handoff or check
Message owner — service process lead Confirms which request steps changed and when they apply Sends the final steps and effective date to the channel editor
Channel editor — internal communications Shapes the message for the chosen channel and checks readability Confirms the opening names the audience and action
Reviewer — affected team manager Checks that the audience and local delivery route make sense Flags shift or access gaps before publication
Follow-up lead — service team coordinator Collects questions and checks whether readers can find the current steps Shares themes with the message owner for the next review

A useful handoff includes the context

Example note from a service team to a channel editor.

Handoff example

Message owner → channel editor

“We are revising the device-request steps for employees who submit requests. The change applies to new requests from Monday. Please use the briefing to explain the change and point readers to the shared reference for the full steps.”

  • Audience: employees who submit device requests.
  • Action: use the revised steps for new requests from Monday.
  • Source: current steps maintained by the service process lead.