Signals & Alignment Meeting (SAM)

Purpose

Prevent wasted effort by realigning when reality changes. This meeting stops the coalition from executing against outdated goals or ineffective approaches. It's a decision point: adjust course now, or continue spending resources on outcomes that won't deliver value.

Execution

Triggers:	When signals indicate goals, mission, or approach need adjustment
Time:	15-30 minutes
Who:	The full TOP Coalition. All members participate to assess signals and make realignment decisions.
Outcome:	A decision on what needs to be adjusted: goals, mission focus, or approach, along with the next steps to implement the realignment.

Event Agenda

Like all TOP Structure events, SAM does not need to follow any specific agenda to achieve its purpose. This sample agenda may serve as a guideline for conducting a Signals & Alignment Meeting.

Activity	Purpose
Review Triggering Signal	Identify the signal that triggered SAM. What does it indicate about goals, mission, or approach? Is the signal clear about what needs adjustment?
Assess What Needs Adjustment	Determine what needs to be realigned: Goals: Are the TOP Goals still valid, or do they need revision? Mission: Does the mission focus need to change? Approach: Do the tactics and methods need adjustment?
Decide on Realignment	Based on the assessment, determine the next action: Adjust approach: Change tactics while keeping the same goals and mission. Revise mission: Proceed to Mission Launch to redefine the mission focus. Revise goals: Proceed to Goal Setting to establish new or revised goals. Close mission: If goals are achieved, proceed to close the mission and transfer responsibility.

Operating Manual

Quick Checklist

Inputs: The signal that triggered SAM, current state of goals/mission/approach, coalition assessment
Outputs: Decision on what needs adjustment (goals/mission/approach), next steps for realignment
When to run: When a signal indicates goals, mission, or approach need adjustment or have become invalid

Signal Triggers for SAM

SAM is triggered when signals indicate:

Goal invalidation: Signals show that TOP Goals are no longer valid or achievable
Mission misalignment: Signals reveal the mission focus is not producing the intended results
Approach failure: Signals indicate the current tactics and methods aren't working
Goal achievement: Signals confirm goals have been achieved and mission should close

Realignment Options

When SAM determines adjustment is needed:

Adjust the approach: Change tactics, methods, or specific actions while maintaining the same goals and mission.
Revise the mission: Proceed to Mission Launch to redefine the mission focus for the current goals.
Revise the goals: Proceed to Goal Setting to establish new or revised TOP Goals.
Close the mission: If goals are achieved, proceed to close the mission and transfer responsibility as appropriate.

Next Steps

After SAM, the process forks:

Main track: The coalition proceeds with the realignment decision: adjusting approach, revising mission (via Mission Launch), revising goals (via Goal Setting), or closing the mission.
Parallel track (optional): The coalition may run a Scale Across Event to share learnings with others who can benefit from the knowledge. This happens in parallel with the realignment work.