A sequence, not a universal calendar
Agree dates and checkpoints with the sponsor for the specific cohort and assignment.
In the Northstar Works example, the cohort moves through four milestones: agree a project brief, check progress with a sponsor, share learning with peers, and present a final showcase. The order gives people shared reference points; the dates depend on the assignment and cohort cycle.
At each checkpoint, participants should be able to say what they are working toward, what they have learned so far, and what decision or input they need next.
The cohort sequence
Participant preparation and sponsor contribution at each stage.
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1
Agree the project brief
Participant: bring a question, initial scope, and possible deliverable. Sponsor: explain the work context, intended audience, boundaries, and who will use the result.
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2
Check progress
Participant: show evidence gathered, open questions, and any change in assumptions. Sponsor: discuss whether the work remains within the agreed scope and identify useful next input.
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3
Share learning with peers
Participant: bring one current question, one approach tried, and one lesson. Sponsor or mentor: help distinguish shareable learning from restricted project details.
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4
Present and hand off
Participant: explain the question, evidence, limitations, and proposed next discussion. Sponsor: clarify how the result will be received and who owns any follow-up.
Prepare for the next milestone
Use the project and peer guidance when the work reaches those points.
Shape a focused assignment with a useful deliverable and sponsor check-in.
Prepare a short, respectful peer-learning share.
The sequence is an illustrative program pattern; the participant and sponsor agree the applicable dates and checkpoints for their cohort.