GRACE · Module 8 · Managing Execution 1

The three rhythms — what to run, when

Run all three rhythms on a shared weekly / monthly / phase cadence. Each protects a different kind of value; together they keep the project in step.

Cadence	Client · engagement	Team · clarity	Business · visibility
Weekly	Share developments; surface upcoming decisions.	Set priorities, owners, blockers.	Effort vs. plan; early financial signals.
Monthly	Concise update: headlines, progress, risks, indicators.	On track to the milestone?	Margin, burn, forecast vs. budget.
Phase	Reconfirm expectations & client experience.	Reset focus for next phase.	Reconcile the phase financially.

Kickoff creates alignment. Rhythm sustains it.

The weekly PM diagnostic

Run this before each week begins. If any box can’t be checked, rhythm is weakening — act before the week, not after it.

0 of 9 clear

Client

I’ve communicated the most important developments Upcoming client decisions are clearly identified The decision log is current

Team

Everyone knows what matters most this week Each priority has a clear owner Blockers are named and being cleared

Business

Effort is aligned with the plan No task is quietly consuming more time than expected Financial signals are still healthy

Any unchecked box is a weakening rhythm. Take one action to close it before the week begins.

All three rhythms are healthy this week. You’re steering, not reacting.

The decision log — your primary control tool

Most projects slow because a decision is sitting with someone, invisible. The log makes every pending decision and its owner visible. Track these columns:

Decision required	Responsible	Requested	Required by	Outcome
Owner selects mechanical system	Client PM	Apr 14	May 5	— open
Confirm exterior material palette	Client + Arch	Apr 21	May 12	— open
Approve revised site access	Civil lead	Apr 9	Apr 23	Approved Apr 22

Use it to track stakeholder commitments, surface delayed decisions early, and prevent scope disputes later. “We never agreed to that” dies the moment it’s in the log.

Updates & reporting structure

Don’t wait to be asked. Push information before confusion appears, on a predictable structure.

Monthly client update

Headlines — what matters most right now
Progress snapshot
Risks and issues
Performance indicators

Weekly team brief

What matters most this week
Who owns each priority
What’s blocking and who clears it
Decisions needed from outside the team

Goal of every update: maintain confidence and transparency. A client who is never surprised is a client who stays engaged.