The Verb Audit · Worksheet
ONE VERB · ONE OWNER
Find the Hidden Work
A plan reads short because one verb can stand in for a whole job. Pick one line from your last plan or status update. Circle the verb doing the work. Hand the sheet to the person who'll perform it and ask what else it touches. They write the answers. One worked example follows.
↓ Fill this with the person who does the work. One verb, one sheet.
LINEAs the plan says it:
CIRCLE
Which word is carrying the whole job?
UpdateReplaceOnboardTrainRoll outor write it in:
Who actually performs it?
TOUCH
What else does it touch?
Connected to itWho checks itConfirmed
01yes
02yes
03yes
04yes
05yes
ADD
How many still need checking?
Still to confirm: of
Each one goes into the plan as its own line, with a name next to it.
↓ One worked example. Don't write on this.
EXAMPLE · OFFICEAs the plan says it: "Replace the old project template."
CIRCLE
Which word is carrying the whole job?
UpdateReplaceOnboardTrainRoll out
Who actually performs it? project coordinator
TOUCH
What else does it touch?
Connected to itWho checks itConfirmed
01the training slides show the old templateTraining leadyes
02the intake form links to the old templateProject coordinatoryes
03the weekly status report pulls from its fieldsReporting leadyes
04copies saved in personal foldersno name yetyes
ADD
How many still need checking?
Still to confirm: 3 of 4
Each one goes into the plan as its own line, with a name next to it.
The Verdict
If no one’s name is on it, no one’s checking it.