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Handoff failure map worksheet

Help so you can find where cases get lost between intake and outcomes, then rank the failure points, assign owners, and ship quick fixes that reduce silent drops and restore trust in your numbers.

What is the guide

The Handoff Failure Map Worksheet is a simple, step-by-step way to map one real intake-to-outcome path, score where handoffs break, and turn that into a ranked action list with owners, first fixes, and lightweight checks.

silhouette of man standing on rock during sunset
silhouette of man standing on rock during sunset
people walking on street during daytime
people walking on street during daytime

Who is it for

It is for operations and program leaders (with intake, frontline, and light IT or data support) who are tired of side trackers, constant “where is this” pings, and reporting that shifts depending on who pulled it.

gray concrete road between green trees during daytime
gray concrete road between green trees during daytime
  • A ranked list of your most damaging handoff failures, with clear triggers and “done” definitions so debates stop.

  • Named owners and 30-day first fixes you can execute without a big rebuild.

  • Simple checks and metrics that prove the fix is real and shows up in reporting.

What you will walk away with

FAQs

How long does it take to complete?

A first pass takes 60 to 90 minutes with the right people. A deeper pass is about a half day if you bring one real case example and a small sample of recent intakes.

Do we need new software to fix handoff failures?

Not at first. Many failures come from unclear ownership, unclear “done,” and inconsistent definitions, which you can fix with process and simple controls before you touch tools.

How do we decide what to fix first?

Score each failure point on impact, frequency, and detectability. Rank by total, then force anything involving safety risk, legal deadlines, or repeated partner complaints to the top.

Who should be in the room?

Bring the ops lead, intake lead, the program lead for the chosen service area, a data or IT partner, and one frontline staff member. Map the real process, not the policy version.

How do we handle privacy and security while mapping handoffs?

Do not include client names or identifying details. Track data types, where they move, who can access them, and flag risky patterns like sensitive data moving through uncontrolled email or shared logins.

How do we make fixes stick and show up in reporting?

Assign a single owner for each top failure, then add light checks like a daily queue scan, a weekly handoff audit, a quick report check, and a monthly review. Tie each fix to one metric and a time window so progress is visible fast.

Get the handoff failure map worksheet

We will email you the Handoff Failure Map Worksheet and useful follow-up resources. Unsubscribe anytime.

Turn your worksheet output into clear next steps

In 30 minutes, we will review your top 3 bottlenecks and top 3 trust risks. You will leave with a prioritized next step that fits your mission and capacity.

a set of stairs leading up to a skylight
a set of stairs leading up to a skylight

30 minutes. Clear priorities and a next step you can act on.