Collocations for Debriefing a Project
Major takeaways
the most important ideas, facts, or lessons to be remembered from a project, meeting, or event
e.g. “For me, one of the _______ takeaways from the meeting is the need for more staff.”
To get bogged down
to get stuck on or involved with something that slows down a process
“Okay folks, let’s not get ________ down with personal arguments here and just focus on how to improve things for next time.”
To go a certain way on something
to choose an option or approach to a situation or problem
“I know we usually design our brochures in-house, but I think we should go a different way on them this time.”
Contract addendum
an addition to an existing contract
“So, if we go ahead with this expanded consultation, I’ll make a contract addendum for the extra work.”
To get the ball rolling
to start something, especially a meeting, discussion, or project
“Well, it’s already 10:05 so I think we should get the ball rolling here. Maybe we can start with some updates?”
To hash out
to talk about something in detail, especially to make a plan or come to agreement
“The board of directors met with executives to ______ out the five-year strategic plan.”
To get on board
to agree with and support an idea or plan
“Management was keen to move to an open office plan, but staff couldn’t get on ______ with the idea.”
To have in mind
to be thinking of or considering something
“Tell me Lorne, what did you have in mind for the big project launch this fall?”
To do up
to create or make something, usually a written document
“Could you do up a new scope for the project?”
To think more along the lines of
to have a different idea about, after someone has stated another idea
“Well, I think these designs are pretty good, but I was thinking more along the lines of a new and modern look.”
To experience delays
to have things happen later or more slowly than expected
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are _________ delays because of fog so please be patient and we’ll get this flight going as soon as possible.”
To end up
to eventually do or be something because of what has happened
“After so much disagreement with the property owners, we ______ up backing out of the leasing deal.”
To work out
to solve a problem or calculate something
“We like the space, but I’m hoping we can work out a better lease rate than what the landlord is asking.”
troubleshooting
discovering and solving problems
trivial
of little importance
Hiccups
small problems or delays
“Plan to arrive early for your presentation, just in case there are ________ with traffic or technology.”
Sticking point
a point of disagreement that stops discussion or negotiation
“The client agreed to most of our terms, but price was a huge ________ point.”
To mess up
to make something disorganized
“That report’s not done yet Carl... unfortunately a surprise safety inspection has messed up my entire day.”
a long shot
a solution that has little chance of being successful
ongoing
continuing to exist or develop, or happening at the present moment
“To put it mildly”
we say “to put it mildly” to suggest that we are not expressing how bad or extreme something really is
“Well, Fay had some troubles getting along with her co-workers, to ___ it mildly.”
To work through
to deal with or solve a problem through discussion and consideration
“The company psychologist helped Todd work ________ his anxiety about his work performance.”
To roll into
to include one thing, especially a cost, into another larger thing
“Should we invoice you separately for project expenses or just roll it into our regular invoice?”
a quick fix
a fast and easy solution that solves a problem only for a short time
minor
having little importance, influence, or effect