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STEP 2

Understand What's Getting in the Way

A calm, honest assessment of the bottlenecks holding your organization back

Now that we've named the outcomes that matter to your mission, we take a thoughtful look at the barriers that make those goals harder to reach. This is not a technical audit. It's a grounded, human review of workflow, clarity, and capacity — a chance to notice where effort is being stretched thin, where tools don't support the work, and where small frustrations have become part of the routine.

In this step, we explore:

  • Where work feels slow, unclear, or uncertain
  • Systems that don't support your needs
  • Gaps in information, communication, or process
  • Staff pain points that aren't always voiced

Outcomes

At the end of Step 2, you receive our exclusive DeliverableNamePlaceholder™ — a short, plain-language assessment you can use internally or with any vendor.

This document highlights the most meaningful barriers affecting your day-to-day work and includes 5–6 tailored insights such as:

  • Workflow bottlenecks or friction points
  • Manual tasks that drain staff time or energy
  • Systems or tools creating confusion or double work
  • Areas where data, communication, or process is unclear
  • Emerging risks, hidden costs, or stress points
  • Opportunities for meaningful improvement

This deliverable stands on its own and provides immediate value, regardless of next steps.

How We Start

We take the clarity from Step 1 — your goals, frustrations, and definition of success — and place it alongside how things currently function. By gently mapping the difference between the two, we create a clear picture of what's blocking momentum. This naturally sets the stage for Step 3, where we explore the cost of these gaps and the value of closing them.

Commitment

My commitment: I create a tailored, branded assessment that highlights the barriers affecting your mission. This document is yours to keep and use however you choose.

Your commitment: Step 2 is a paid engagement. Before beginning, you'll receive a clear scope and price so you can decide the right level of depth for your organization.

Ready to strengthen your mission with technology?

Let's discuss how UpStart Productions can help you build simple, sustainable digital systems that support your team and amplify your impact.

Let's Move Your Mission Forward →