{"id":54256,"date":"2025-06-02T12:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T12:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/?p=54256"},"modified":"2025-07-25T09:26:58","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T09:26:58","slug":"your-programme-failed-now-what","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/insights\/your-programme-failed-now-what\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Programme Failed, Now What? (Free Template)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p>This article focuses primarily on <strong>open calls<\/strong> \u2014 but many of the strategies and lessons here can also be applied to creative grants, prizes, and awards. Wherever you\u2019re coming from, this is your toolkit for recovery and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we\u2019ll walk you through:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How to define success for your open call<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to evaluate what&nbsp;<em>actually<\/em>&nbsp;went wrong (with checklists and frameworks)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What actions to take if your creative programme failed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to future-proof your next open call<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You&#8217;ll find a free Post-Mortem Template just below &#8211; but we recommend reading the full article to get the most out of it. The template is designed to help you reflect on what went wrong, identify key insights, and map out clear, actionable steps for improving your next creative programme.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-base-background-color has-background has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"border-radius:20px;margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);font-size:clamp(0.875rem, 0.875rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 0.406), 1.2rem);\">\n<div style=\"height:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-x-large-font-size\" style=\"padding-top:0;padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0\">Run a Better <br>Open Call Next Time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Turn open call lessons into clear next steps\u2014Use our <br>ready-made review doc to improve your next programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1EFVzlmxs2T56ocO1BKPbbppGVVholGGJxZHpesXiu5I\/edit?usp=sharing&amp;utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=cta&amp;utm_campaign=GRW-286_CV\">Get The Template<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;height:1rem;width:0px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1810\" height=\"2560\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54360 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1810px) 100vw, 1810px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/plant_gonna_grow_a_little_jpg-scaled.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/plant_gonna_grow_a_little_jpg-scaled.jpeg 1810w, https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/plant_gonna_grow_a_little_jpg-768x1086.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/plant_gonna_grow_a_little_jpg-1086x1536.jpeg 1086w, https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/plant_gonna_grow_a_little_jpg-1448x2048.jpeg 1448w\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8216;Whatever The Outcome We&#8217;re Going To Grow A Little&#8217; by Estelle Lily<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>If your programme failed, then what does success look like?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>How to determine if your programme fails begins with the understanding of what \u2018success\u2019 is meant to look like for you. Too often, we adopt someone else\u2019s metrics\u2014entry numbers, likes, press coverage\u2014without connecting them to our actual mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Before labelling your open call a failure, ask yourself these questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What was I actually aiming for?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How am I measuring success?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>You should use your SMART goals as a reference to determine if your Programme worked successfully or not.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Evaluating SMART Goals for Your Open Call<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Before evaluating success\u2014or failure\u2014you need to have defined it from the beginning with SMART goals. Strong goals make sure you\u2019re defining your success on clarity, direction, and focus. The SMART framework ensures your goals are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Specific<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 What exactly were you trying to achieve?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Measurable<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 How did you track your progress?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Achievable<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Was this goal realistic with your resources?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Relevant<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Does it align with your organisation\u2019s mission?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time-bound<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Was the goal achieved in the specific time frame?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>SMART Goal Template for Open Calls<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a framework of some smart goals that you might have used for inspiration to measure against.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Goal Area<\/th><th>SMART Goal Example<\/th><th>Why It Matters<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Entry Numbers<\/strong><\/td><td>Get [X] number of eligible entries from artists by [deadline] through multi-channel marketing.<\/td><td>Helps demonstrate reach and value to sponsors or press.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Talent Discovery<\/strong><\/td><td>Select [X] emerging creatives working in [discipline] from [region] to develop in [residency\/exhibition] by [delivery date].<\/td><td>Aligns with inclusion or regional development mission.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Funding Milestone<\/strong><\/td><td>Fulfil grant requirement to support [X] number of artists with [\u00a3Y] each by [delivery date].<\/td><td>Proves accountability to funders.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Audience Engagement<\/strong><\/td><td>Reach [X] impressions and [Y] engagement on open call posts across social platforms within [campaign period].<\/td><td>Demonstrates visibility and public interest.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Representation<\/strong><\/td><td>Ensure [X%] of applicants identify from underrepresented backgrounds (data collected via form questions).<\/td><td>Drives equity goals and supports inclusive programming.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Reflect on Each Stage of the process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t just ask&nbsp;\u201cwhat went wrong?\u201d&nbsp;&#8211; ask&nbsp;\u201cwhat can we learn?\u201d&nbsp; <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a ready-to-use structure for a compassionate, effective open call review. Use this Post-Mortem Framework in a document, spreadsheet, or your next group meeting to review the programme. Ideally do this within 2 weeks of your programme ending while it&#8217;s fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong>&nbsp;Add your own questions in each section relevant to your specific programme goals and structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Planning (Pre-Launch)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where your foundations are laid. Review your goal-setting, team alignment, timelines, marketing strategy, and resource planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Question<\/th><th>Example Answer<\/th><th>Mitigation<\/th><th>Action<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Did we define our goals and what success would look like for us?<\/td><td>We only focused on entry numbers initially.<\/td><td>Reframed mid-way to include engagement metrics and qualitative feedback.<\/td><td>Use the SMART goals framework and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/articles\/insights\/insights-for-orgs\/defining-your-purpose\/\">Defining Your Purpose<\/a>&nbsp;before planning next open call. Document goals clearly.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did we have a clear marketing strategy plan before the open call launch?<\/td><td>We had a social media strategy, but lacked a partner distribution strategy because we were in a rush to launch.<\/td><td>We built the partner strategy slowly during the open call period.<\/td><td>Create a lead time checklist and partner outreach plan including contact list and press pack ready at least 2 weeks before launch.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did we plan our timelines effectively?<\/td><td>We didn\u2019t realise the judging period overlapped with a public holiday.<\/td><td>Added a last minute extension.<\/td><td>Use a calendar template with blackout dates for future planning. Circulate to all stakeholders early.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Was our budget and funding obligation clearly outlined and included in our plan?<\/td><td>The funder required an extra report we forgot to factor in.<\/td><td>Scrambled to collect needed data at the end.<\/td><td>Create a funding checklist template. Include funder obligations in the planning phase.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did we allocate clear roles and responsibilities within the team?<\/td><td>We had a small team and missed some emails and tasks.<\/td><td>Tried to share the workload ad-hoc.<\/td><td>Use a shared task board to track responsibilities.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Self prompts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Were there any key questions or assumptions we didn\u2019t ask early enough?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What other goals did we forget to factor in?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Open Call Period (Live Submissions)<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This covers the moment the open call goes live until submissions close. Review your communications, applicant experience, and entry visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Question<\/th><th>Example Answer<\/th><th>Mitigation<\/th><th>Action For Next Time<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Was our messaging clear?<\/td><td>Some applicants were confused about eligibility.<\/td><td>Added a FAQ mid-way and clarified posts.<\/td><td>Share drafts with external readers or artists before launch to test if it\u2019s clear enough.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did we clearly communicate key dates and deadlines?<\/td><td>Yes, but many asked for extensions near the end.<\/td><td>Extended deadline and updated posts.<\/td><td>Communicate schedule reminders to applicants throughout the open call period.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Were support enquiries manageable?<\/td><td>We were overwhelmed by email enquiries.<\/td><td>Repeated answers manually.<\/td><td>Set up an FAQ section, auto-responder and Instagram highlights with key answers.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Was our entry form easy to complete?<\/td><td>A lot of people dropped off at the \u2018file upload\u2019 section.<\/td><td>Email a \u2018how-to upload\u2019 guide for those in draft 5 days before the deadline.<\/td><td>Revisit the form structure by looking at \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/articles\/insights\/insights-for-orgs\/what-to-ask-for-when-candidates-submit\/\">Streamlining What You Ask From Candidates<\/a>\u2019.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Self prompts:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Which questions came up the most from applicants?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Were there unnecessary barriers that could be removed next time?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1986\" height=\"1489\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54361 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1986px) 100vw, 1986px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/trying_to_keep_it_together_ed_jpg.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/trying_to_keep_it_together_ed_jpg.jpeg 1986w, https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/trying_to_keep_it_together_ed_jpg-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/trying_to_keep_it_together_ed_jpg-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8216;Trying To Keep It Together&#8217; by Bettina Silverio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Judging<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This stage covers everything from assigning judges to selecting winners. Review your scoring system, communication, and clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Question<\/th><th>Example Answer<\/th><th>Mitigation<\/th><th>Action<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Did judges understand how to use the platform?<\/td><td>Some struggled with the login or forgot to score.<\/td><td>Sent reminders and support videos.<\/td><td>Include a 10-min onboarding call or video tutorial.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did all judges complete their scoring?<\/td><td>One judge dropped out last-minute.<\/td><td>Had to redistribute scores.<\/td><td>Ask judges to confirm commitment and block out judging dates in advance. Add an extra backup judge.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Were our scoring criteria clear and aligned with our goals?<\/td><td>Some scoring was inconsistent.<\/td><td>Adjusted during review call.<\/td><td>Host a calibration call at the start. Share examples of successful entries.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did the judging period allow enough time?<\/td><td>It was squeezed due to delays in the open call period.<\/td><td>Pushed announcement back.<\/td><td>Build in buffer time. Include contingency days in the judging schedule. Use \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/articles\/insights\/insights-for-orgs\/planning-the-schedule-of-your-competition\/\">Drawing Up Your Schedule<\/a>\u2019 to help plan this.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Was communication with judges consistent?<\/td><td>Some judges didn\u2019t see key emails.<\/td><td>Repeated messages via WhatsApp.<\/td><td>Create a group communication channel to communicate important deadlines with the group.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Self-Prompts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What kind of submissions did judges value most?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Did the selection reflect the original mission?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Delivery &amp; Follow-Up<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This is everything after winners are selected: communication, delivery of prizes, exhibitions, publication, or feedback to applicants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Question<\/th><th>Example Answer<\/th><th>Mitigation<\/th><th>Action<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Did we deliver the prize\/benefit in a timely and meaningful way?<\/td><td>The mentorships started 2 days late.<\/td><td>Communicated delay to participants.<\/td><td>Build delivery into timeline and communicate dates upfront.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did winners feel supported and celebrated?<\/td><td>Yes &#8211; we tagged them and celebrated them on social media.<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><td>Continue to celebrate winners, but consider sharing the shortlist too. Look at \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/articles\/insights\/insights-for-orgs\/maximising-engagement-using-competitions\/\">Maximising Engagement<\/a>\u2019 for advice.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did we close the loop with all applicants?<\/td><td>No comms went out to unsuccessful applicants.<\/td><td>Email sent out to unsuccessful applicants immediately once an applicant raised this.<\/td><td>Prepare a thank-you email template + resources for all applicants before the winner is announced.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did we gather feedback from participants or judges?<\/td><td>Not yet.<\/td><td>Plan to send survey.<\/td><td>Use a template to collect anonymous feedback within 2 weeks.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Is there evidence of long-term impact?<\/td><td>One winning artist gained a new commission due to the exposure.<\/td><td>Captured this in a case study.<\/td><td>Create a form or template to gather long-term updates for impact reporting.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Self-Prompts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>How did people&nbsp;<em>feel<\/em>&nbsp;at the end of the process?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What stories of success or connection can we carry forward?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Review &amp; Action<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the stage that often gets skipped, but it\u2019s where the learning&nbsp;<em>really<\/em>&nbsp;happens. Take time to reflect as a team while it\u2019s still fresh\u2014then act on what you\u2019ve learned to improve your next opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Question<\/th><th>Example Answer<\/th><th>Mitigation<\/th><th>Action<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Did we hold a team review within 2 weeks of project close?<\/td><td>Not yet.<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><td>Schedule a reflection session at the planning stage of future calls.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did we analyse what worked&nbsp;<em>and<\/em>&nbsp;what didn\u2019t?<\/td><td>Focused too much on what went wrong.<\/td><td>Include a \u201cwhat worked well\u201d section.<\/td><td>Use this framework to balance reflection and celebration.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did we record lessons learned in a shared place?<\/td><td>They were scattered in emails and Slack.<\/td><td>N\/A<\/td><td>Create a simple \u2018Action&#8217; doc based on the above \u2018Actions\u2019 to implement for next time.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Did we capture participant and judge feedback?<\/td><td>No, only anecdotal.<\/td><td>We sent follow-up emails to participants to collect this feedback.<\/td><td>Add surveys and testimonials collection into the close-down checklist.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Self-Prompts:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What should we keep doing, stop doing, and start doing?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What would we tell another organisation running something similar?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1986\" height=\"1323\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-54362 lazyload\" style=\"width:725px;height:auto\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1986px) 100vw, 1986px\" data-src=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/reindeer_moss_butterfly_01_jpg.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/reindeer_moss_butterfly_01_jpg.jpeg 1986w, https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/reindeer_moss_butterfly_01_jpg-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/04\/reindeer_moss_butterfly_01_jpg-1536x1023.jpeg 1536w\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8216;Fly Like a Buttefly&#8217; by Olana Light<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Actionable Next Steps<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve reviewed everything\u2014from planning to delivery. Now what? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your open call wasn\u2019t a total disaster, and your mission still matters, don\u2019t scrap the whole thing. Use what you\u2019ve learned to make smarter, smoother decisions next time. The first version is always the roughest\u2014now you\u2019ve got data, experience, and real insight to work with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Set a Timeline for Improvement<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Give your team clarity and momentum by setting a realistic schedule for improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>When would you like to relaunch?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What changes need to be made first?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Who owns each task or decision?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Make it visual. Map it out. And start ticking things off.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Improve your tools and processes<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ve already done the hard thinking\u2014now put it into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Revisit the \u201cAction\u201d column from your post-mortem review.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Turn those into clear next steps, assign owners, and share them with your team.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use shared documents or task boards to keep everyone aligned.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These aren\u2019t just fixes\u2014they\u2019re your blueprint for a better, smoother open call.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>It Wasn\u2019t a Failure, It Was a Prototype<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember, most open calls aren&#8217;t perfect and it can take some time to get things right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What matters most is how you carry what you\u2019ve learned into your next iteration. Be honest, be proud of what you tried, and know that growth lives in the&nbsp;<em>adjustments<\/em>&nbsp;we make\u2014not just the wins we celebrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most successful programmes evolve over time. What matters is what you do next. Keep the stories, the impact, and the effort in mind\u2014and carry this forward with pride.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:0\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Want us to write more content like this? Give it a like<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-space-between is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9366075c wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-368c6775 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:0;padding-left:0\">\n\t\t<div class=\"wpulike wpulike-animated-heart  wpulike-is-pro\" ><div class=\"wp_ulike_general_class wp_ulike_is_restricted\"><button type=\"button\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Like Button\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-id=\"54256\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-nonce=\"e31faaea67\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-type=\"post\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-template=\"wpulike-animated-heart\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-display-likers=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-likers-style=\"popover\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-ulike-append=\"&lt;svg class=&quot;wpulike-svg-heart wpulike-svg-heart-pop one&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 32 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data-srcset=\"https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-13-at-08.49.02.png 956w, https:\/\/zealous.co\/wpadmin2\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/01\/Screenshot-2026-01-13-at-08.49.02-768x930.png 768w\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group au_txt_block wp-container-content-6610010d has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-9ec41e88 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading au_name has-medium-font-size\">Carmela Vienna<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"au_pos has-small-font-size\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/creative-submission-platform\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" title=\"\">Social Marketing Manager<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So, your open call didn\u2019t go as planned. Maybe entries were lower than expected, the timeline slipped, or feedback from artists, judges, or partners wasn\u2019t as positive as you\u2019d hoped. But this isn\u2019t the end of your programme. It could be the turning point where things become clearer, stronger, and more aligned with your mission.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":59345,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"wp-custom-template-post-org-insight","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[499],"tags":[910],"class_list":["post-54256","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights","tag-managing-awards"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54256","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54256"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/54256\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54256"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=54256"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/zealous.co\/about\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=54256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}