Assessing red flags

Use this checklist during project reviews, at the end of each sprint, or whenever something feels off. The goal isn't to catastrophise — it's to surface issues early when they're still manageable.

Scope & requirements

• [ ] Is the scope clearly documented and signed off?
• [ ] Have there been any undocumented additions or changes?
• [ ] Do all team members have the same understanding of what's in and out of scope?
• [ ] Are there any requirements that are still undefined or unclear?

Timeline & delivery

• [ ] Are we on track against the project plan?
• [ ] Have any milestones been missed or are at risk?
• [ ] Is there sufficient buffer in the schedule?
• [ ] Are all external dependencies on track?

Budget & resources

• [ ] Are we tracking within budget?
• [ ] Are there any unplanned expenses or resource needs?
• [ ] Is the team appropriately resourced for upcoming work?
• [ ] Are any team members overloaded or under-utilized?

Client & stakeholder health

• [ ] Is the client responsive and engaged?
• [ ] Are approvals happening in a timely manner?
• [ ] Is there any ambiguity about who has sign-off authority?
• [ ] Are stakeholder expectations aligned with what we're delivering?

Team health

• [ ] Is the team communicating openly?
• [ ] Are any team members showing signs of burnout or disengagement?
• [ ] Are blockers being surfaced and resolved quickly?
• [ ] Is there psychological safety to raise concerns?

Technical & quality

• [ ] Is the technical approach still sound?
• [ ] Are there any unresolved technical risks?
• [ ] Is QA keeping pace with development?
• [ ] Are there any integration or dependency issues?