A lightweight shared planning practice
In the Northstar Services example, the campaign owner maintains the schedule, each item has one accountable next owner, and the publisher records the final status. These are sample working agreements for this fictional campaign—not universal policy.
Use the status to describe observable progress, not confidence or sentiment. When a date changes, update the row and notify the person who owns the next handoff.
Sample responsibility matrix
One role leads each activity; others contribute where shown.
| Activity | Campaign Owner | Editor | Reviewer | Channel Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Write the brief and name the audience | Accountable | Consulted | Informed | Informed |
| Edit copy and check channel fit | Consulted | Accountable | Consulted | Informed |
| Confirm campaign facts and timing | Consulted | Informed | Accountable | Informed |
| Schedule and publish the approved item | Informed | Consulted | Informed | Accountable |
| Update the calendar after publication | Consulted | Informed | Informed | Accountable |
Planning questions
Use these answers to keep the example schedule understandable and actionable.
What does each sample status mean?
Planned means the item is on the schedule but work has not started. Drafting means copy or source material is being prepared. In review means a named reviewer has the item. Approved means content is confirmed for scheduling. Scheduled means it is entered in the channel for its planned date. Published means the publisher has checked the destination and recorded completion.
What should happen when a planned date changes?
The current owner updates the date and status in the schedule, records the reason briefly, and tells the next owner. The publisher confirms whether the channel schedule also needs to change.
Who resolves an unclear owner or missing input?
The Campaign Owner names the next accountable role and supplies or requests the missing input. Keep the item in its current status until the next owner can act.
When should a message be split across channels?
Split it when audiences need different detail or actions. Give each version its own calendar row, channel owner, planned date, and status so a follow-up does not get mistaken for a duplicate.