In VPO construction management software and services, customers in Microsoft SharePoint's Modern experience now benefit from Ball-in-Court and Cc Renotify.
Streamlining Workflow Communication and Accountability
For VPO customers in Modern, there's now a Ball-In-Court and Cc Renotify Toggle Button!
We've added a new feature to all workflow forms--forms where you have an option to assign a Ball-In-Court (BIC), and Cc others informationally.
Why Clear Communication and Delegation Are Critical to Business Success
Before diving into the technical details of this new feature, it's essential to understand why effective communication and delegation form the backbone of successful organizations. In today's fast-paced business environment, the ability to clearly communicate responsibilities, track accountability, and ensure timely follow-up can make the difference between projects that thrive and those that stagnate.
The Communication Challenge in Modern Workflows
Modern businesses operate in an increasingly complex landscape where projects involve multiple stakeholders, cross-functional teams, and intricate workflows. Without clear communication protocols, even the most well-intentioned teams can find themselves facing common pitfalls: missed deadlines, duplicated efforts, unclear ownership, and the dreaded "I thought someone else was handling that" scenario.
Research consistently shows that organizations with effective communication practices are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers. This isn't just about sending more emails or scheduling more meetings – it's about creating systems that ensure the right information reaches the right people at the right time, with clear expectations about what actions need to be taken.
The Power of Effective Delegation
Delegation goes far beyond simply assigning tasks. True delegation involves transferring not just responsibility but also the authority and resources necessary to complete the work successfully. When done effectively, delegation serves multiple purposes: it develops team members' skills, reduces bottlenecks in decision-making, and allows leaders to focus on high-level strategic initiatives.
However, delegation without proper communication and follow-up mechanisms often fails. Team members may be unclear about expectations, deadlines, or the scope of their authority. Leaders may struggle to track progress without micromanaging, leading to either abandoned projects or frustrated team members who feel constantly monitored.
The Role of Accountability in Team Performance
Clear accountability structures are what transform good intentions into measurable results. When team members understand not only what they're responsible for but also how their work fits into larger objectives, they're more likely to take ownership and deliver quality outcomes. This is where concepts like "Ball-In-Court" become invaluable – they create a clear, visual representation of responsibility that eliminates ambiguity about who should be taking action.
Accountability systems also provide psychological benefits. Team members feel more confident when they understand their role clearly, and they're more likely to seek help or clarification when needed. This creates a culture of transparency where challenges are addressed proactively rather than discovered too late in the process.
Communication as a Competitive Advantage
Organizations that excel at internal communication often find that this translates into external advantages as well. Teams that communicate effectively with each other are better equipped to respond quickly to customer needs, adapt to market changes, and collaborate on innovative solutions. Clear delegation ensures that customer-facing team members have the authority and information they need to make decisions quickly, improving customer satisfaction and retention.
Moreover, effective communication and delegation practices help organizations scale more successfully. As teams grow and projects become more complex, the systems and habits established early become the foundation for sustainable growth. Companies that invest in communication infrastructure and delegation protocols early are better positioned to handle increased complexity without sacrificing quality or speed.
This is exactly why we've developed the Ball-In-Court Renotify feature – to provide VPO users with the tools they need to maintain clear communication and accountability even as their workflows become more sophisticated and their teams grow larger.
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Until now, a notification email would be sent from VPO to the BIC and any Cc’ed individuals only when the BIC or Cc fields were changed. But there may be times when you change some of the details within a workflow record while making no change to the BIC, and you need the current BIC to review those changes. This is when the new Renotify toggle button can be used, triggering a notification email to the existing BIC and Cc(s) which identifies the changes you’ve made.
How Does It Work?
You will only see the Renotify button on an existing workflow form where a BIC has been entered, and it will only be available when a user is editing that form.
1. Go to an existing workflow form--with a BIC--that you want to update, and select Edit to enter your changes to the form.
2. You’ll be able to toggle the Renotify button. Make your changes to the underlying form; toggle Renotify to Yes; click Save on the record. This will launch the new notification email to the existing BIC and Cc(s).
