# How to Get Your Agency to Be More Proactive: Editable Worksheet

This worksheet accompanies [the Agency Field Guide article](https://agencyfieldguide.com/guides/how-to-get-your-agency-to-be-more-proactive) by Tim Kilroy.

Copy this document into your preferred editor. Replace the bracketed prompts with your details, remove inapplicable items and agree on the result with the people responsible for the work. Keep confidential information in an appropriately controlled location.

## Use this reset conversation.

Adapt the wording to the actual relationship.

"We want your team to take more initiative in [area]. A recent example where we needed your judgment was [specific situation]. We would like recommendations that address [business priorities] and early warnings about [risks].

Please tell us whether the current scope and capacity support that expectation. We can improve your access to [information or people], and we will respond to recommendations through [approval process]. Your team may act independently on [matters] within [limits]. Changes involving [restricted matters] still require approval.

Let's agree on the first useful investigation, its owner and a review date. We will assess whether the resulting advice helps us make a better decision."

If the agency has sufficient context and capacity but repeatedly avoids taking responsibility, address that as a performance issue. [The underperformance guide](https://agencyfieldguide.com/guides/how-to-address-an-underperforming-agency) provides a process for setting specific expectations and deciding whether the relationship can improve.