Updated September 2026: in 2019 I set up recurring daily review calls for a deck, and on day one, with only a rough storyline and material copied from earlier decks, the onsite team expected everything finished. I stayed patient in front of senior leaders. I have rewritten it into advice on setting expectations for early review calls.
I scheduled daily calls with the team and leaders to review the deck as it developed. On the first day I had a rough storyline and some content from earlier decks. The onsite team immediately looked for the latest slides and expected everything in place. I was frustrated, but with top leaders on the call, I kept calm and walked through the slides.
Why do people expect a finished deck on day one?
Because a call called a "review" suggests something to review. If the purpose of each call is not stated, attendees assume the work is further along than it is. The mismatch is about labels, not effort.
How do you set expectations for each call?
- Name the purpose in the invite: "Day 1: agree storyline", "Day 3: review draft slides".
- Share a simple plan showing what will be ready on each day.
- Open each call by restating what is being reviewed today.
What should a day-one call cover?
The storyline, the section owners and the open questions for the client. Not slides. Getting agreement on the storyline on day one prevents rework later and gives the onsite team something useful to react to.
How do you stay composed in front of senior people?
Acknowledge the expectation, restate the plan and move to the useful part: "This is the storyline draft; slides will follow tomorrow. Does the flow match what you need?" Calm redirection comes across as control, which leaders notice.
Are daily review calls a good idea?
For tight deadlines, yes, if they are short and focused. Keep them to fifteen or twenty minutes, with a written list of decisions and actions afterwards.
What should you change after a rough first call?
Send the plan to all attendees that day, so the next call starts with shared expectations.
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