A well-organised digital workspace not only boosts productivity but also enhances collaboration and efficiency. At CurlPoint, we believe in leveraging the power of modern SharePoint to help businesses achieve a streamlined and organised digital environment. Here are three tips to help you declutter your online content using modern SharePoint.

1. Implement Metadata and Tags

One of the most powerful features of modern SharePoint is the ability to use metadata and tags to organise your content. Instead of relying solely on folders, metadata allows you to classify and categorise documents based on various attributes such as project name, document type, or department.

How?

• Create Custom Columns: Define custom columns in your document libraries to capture relevant metadata. For example, you can create columns for project names, document types, and dates.

• Apply Tags: Encourage your team to tag documents with appropriate metadata when uploading or editing files. This makes it easier to search and filter documents later.

• Use Views: Create custom views in SharePoint to display documents based on specific metadata criteria. This helps in quickly accessing the most relevant content without navigating through multiple folders.

2. Utilise SharePoint’s Search and Filter Capabilities

Modern SharePoint offers robust search and filter capabilities that can significantly enhance your ability to find and manage content. By optimising these features, you can reduce clutter and improve the efficiency of your digital workspace.

How?

• Configure Search Settings: Ensure that your SharePoint search settings are configured to index all relevant content. This includes documents, lists, and metadata.

• Use Filters: Apply filters to narrow down search results based on specific criteria such as document type, author, or date. This helps in quickly locating the required documents.

• Save Search Queries: Save frequently used search queries for easy access. This can save time and effort when searching for commonly accessed documents.

Copy the Search URL:

• Once you have refined your search results, copy the URL from the browser’s address bar. This URL contains all the search parameters and filters you have applied.

Save the URL:

• You can save this URL in a document or a SharePoint list for easy access. For example, create a custom list in SharePoint called “Saved Searches” and add a new item with the search query URL and a descriptive title.

Using the Saved Search

• Access the Saved Search: When you need to run the saved search again, simply click on the saved URL from your document or list. This will rerun the search with the same parameters and filters.

Additional Tips

• Bookmarks: You can also bookmark the search URL in your browser for quick access.

• Share with Team: If the search query is useful for your team, you can share the saved URL with them.

3. Archive and Delete Unnecessary Content

Regularly archiving and deleting unnecessary content is crucial for maintaining an organised digital workspace. Modern SharePoint provides tools to help you manage and clean up your content effectively.

How?

• Set Retention Policies: Define retention policies in SharePoint to automatically archive or delete documents that are no longer needed. This ensures that your libraries remain clutter-free. (Requires Microsoft Purview, additional licencing costs apply)

• Create Archive Libraries: Move older documents to dedicated archive libraries. This keeps your active libraries focused on current content while still retaining access to historical data.

• Review and Clean Up: Schedule regular reviews of your document libraries to identify and remove outdated or redundant content. This helps in keeping your digital workspace organised and efficient.

• Assign Clear Ownership: Designate specific individuals or teams responsible for managing the archiving and deletion of content. This ensures accountability and consistency in maintaining your document libraries.

Decluttering your online content and libraries is a productive step you can take anytime. By leveraging the powerful features of modern SharePoint, you can create a streamlined and organised digital environment that enhances collaboration and efficiency.

Success in digital transformation starts with a solid foundation. Before your company is ready to fully leverage the power of Copilot, it’s crucial to get the structure right, ensure permissions are checked and understand the process touchpoints.

1️⃣ Establish a Robust Information Architecture

Ensure your SharePoint site is well-organised, with clear categories and easy navigation. This helps in managing content efficiently and reduces time spent searching for information. The security and permissions you set will inform Copilot who can access the content.

2️⃣ Map Out Process Touch points

Identify and document key process touchpoints within your organisation. Understanding how different departments interact and share information is essential for seamless integration and collaboration.

3️⃣ Evaluate Your Company’s Maturity Level

Assess whether your company is ready for Copilot by evaluating your current workflows, data management practices, and user readiness. A well-structured foundation ensures a smoother transition and maximises the benefits of Copilot.

Whether you're setting up your first site or rethinking your structure, this guide walks through the key questions to ask so your SharePoint setup supports real work, not just storage.

Key Questions to Guide Your Planning

What is your objective? Define your goals. Are you improving document management, enhancing collaboration, streamlining workflows, reducing reliance on third-party apps - or all of the above?

Who is the audience? Identify the teams using each site and understand their needs. Will they read, edit, or collaborate on content?

Is the content sensitive? Does it contain personal identifiable information? Apply appropriate security and access controls.

Is your org chart up to date? Ensure your structure reflects current teams and groups. If you outsource IT, clarify how updates to Entra ID are managed. Outdated data erodes trust and utility.

Are there shared resources across departments? Plan for cross-team collaboration by structuring sites to support shared access and workflows.

Why SharePoint?

SharePoint is more than storage - it’s a platform for managing content, streamlining processes, and fostering collaboration. Integrated with Microsoft Teams, it offers a seamless experience from one interface.

Keep it simple. Design for your organisation’s unique needs. Master the basics before layering in automation.

Structure

With your goals and users in mind, consider:

What content will be stored and shared? Identify document types and use organisation-wide libraries for shared assets like templates and images.

How will the site be structured? Design pages, libraries, and lists for easy navigation. Map common departmental processes to create a logical structure that mirrors how users work.

What permissions are needed? Set access levels to protect sensitive content. Assign at least two site owners per site to manage permissions and ensure continuity. Review access regularly to reflect team changes.

How will you integrate with Teams? When adding SharePoint pages as Tabs in Teams, navigation may be hidden. If using a Teams-first approach, design pages with clear cues - links back to the main site, consistent branding, and helpful labels - to guide users.

Site Maintenance and Governance

Site Maintenance Regularly audit your site for broken links, outdated content, and structural clarity. Keep it relevant and functional.

Content Management Create a strategy for content creation, review, and publishing. Assign responsibilities, use metadata for clarity, and implement version control to maintain accuracy.

User Training Offer training to help users navigate and collaborate effectively. Cover basic functions, content management, and best practices. Update materials and run refreshers as needed.

By asking the right questions and planning with purpose, SMEs can unlock the full value of Microsoft 365. A strategic SharePoint design -integrated with Teams and supported by governance - empowers your organisation to work smarter.

Need help mapping your SharePoint structure or reviewing your setup? Get in touch - we’re here to make it simpler.

When working in Microsoft 365, it’s essential to understand what a Microsoft 365 Group is and why it matters for managing information and enabling collaboration. These Groups form the backbone of many digital workplaces, connecting tools, teams and conversations in one seamless ecosystem.

What Is a Microsoft 365 Group?

A Microsoft 365 Group provides a shared workspace across core Microsoft 365 apps. It simplifies teamwork by centralising communication and resource sharing, while giving you control over who can access what. Your role - Owner or Member - determines what you can do across connected apps such as:

• Outlook (email and calendar)

• SharePoint (site and document library)

• Teams (chat and collaboration)

• Planner (task management)

• OneNote (shared notebook)

How to Create a Group

Depending on your access level, there are several ways to create a Group:

• Outlook: Go to Groups > New Group, then enter a name, description, privacy settings and add members.

• Admin Center: In Microsoft 365 admin, select Teams & groups > Active groups > Add a group. Choose “Microsoft 365” and follow the prompts.

• SharePoint: Create a team site, then click “Add Microsoft Teams” from the homepage. This links Teams and auto-generates shared assets.

• Teams: In Chat, select “Create a Team” and follow the setup steps.

The SharePoint approach is often preferred as it creates most of the collaboration tools automatically with fewer steps.

Who Can Edit the Group?

• Owners have full control: they can add or remove members, manage settings and edit group details.

• Members can access shared resources and participate in conversations, but their admin privileges are limited.

Why It Matters

Microsoft 365 Groups play a critical role in designing your information architecture. They help manage access to content and enable consistent collaboration across teams and departments. As an Owner, you can adjust membership instantly via Teams, ensuring people only access what they need.

Microsoft 365 Groups offer more than convenience - they help teams work smarter by centralising access, reducing confusion and supporting secure collaboration. If your setup feels cluttered or disconnected, a fresh look at your Group structure could make all the difference.

Need help aligning your digital workspace? Get in touch - we’re here to make it simpler.

Three of my favourite things are chocolate, pickleball, and surprisingly SharePoint Lists (also known as Microsoft Lists). It might seem like an odd addition, but once you get to know them, you’ll see why. This is the story of how I moved beyond Excel, and why it was one of my best decisions (alongside discovering Tony’s Chocolonely almond sea salt chocolate and pickleball).

Managing information efficiently is essential for every department, whether you’re in HR, Finance, Marketing, Projects or Compliance. While Excel has long been a go-to tool, SharePoint Lists offer a powerful, user-friendly alternative that can elevate your data management game.

The Excel Comfort Zone

Excel has been around since 1985 and is widely used across industries.

• Complex Calculations: Great for individual use or small teams needing advanced formulas and data analysis.

• Collaboration Limitations: Excel Online allows some collaboration, but desktop files can be tricky to manage without version conflicts.

• Automation: Excel supports automation through VBA and Power Query, though it often requires advanced skills.

Enter SharePoint Lists

SharePoint Lists have evolved significantly within Microsoft 365, offering dynamic features for collaboration and structured data management.

• Collaborative Environment: Ideal for teams needing real-time updates, version control and integration with other Microsoft 365 apps.

• Simultaneous Access: Multiple users can edit data at the same time, with a centralised location ensuring everyone sees the latest information.

• Seamless Integration: Easily connects with Power Automate, Power Apps and Teams, enabling custom workflows and applications without heavy coding.

Choosing the Right Tool

Consider these factors when deciding between Excel and SharePoint Lists:

Use Excel when you need:

• Complex calculations and formulas

• Advanced data analysis and pivot tables

• Quick ad-hoc reporting

• Offline access

• Visual charting and graphing

Use SharePoint Lists when you need:

• Team collaboration on shared data

• Version control and audit trails

• Approval workflows

• Mobile access

• Integration with Microsoft 365 tools

The Real Magic: Using Both Together

• Export List Data to Excel: For deeper analysis or dashboard creation.

• Import Excel Data into Lists: To enable team collaboration.

• Bulk Updates: Use Excel for quick data entry, then sync with Lists.

Making the Switch

• Start Small: Begin with one project or dataset to get familiar.

• Use Templates: Try built-in templates for tasks, issues or contacts, or create your own.

• Train Your Team: Help users understand the benefits and functionality.

• Automate Workflows: Start with simple rules, then expand with Power Automate.

• Plan Ahead: If using Power Apps or Automate, get IT support to set up environments properly to avoid future issues.

• Customise Views: Use filters and sorting to display data in meaningful ways.

Best Practices

• Define Permissions: Lists inherit site permissions by default. Break inheritance if needed for sensitive data.

• Use Validation Rules: Ensure data accuracy and consistency.

• Review and Clean Up: Assign accountability and regularly tidy up outdated entries.

• Integrate with Other Tools: Connect Lists with Power BI, Teams or Planner to extend functionality.

• Stay Organised: Use metadata to keep lists structured and easy to navigate.

Success in modern data management isn’t about choosing one tool over another. It’s about knowing when to use each to its strengths. Transitioning from Excel to SharePoint Lists has improved collaboration, streamlined workflows and strengthened data security. By aligning each tool with your goals, you can create a more efficient and effective experience for your team.

Examples

HR Department: Used Lists to manage recruitment and onboarding. Custom columns tracked progress and reduced email clutter.

Operations Team: Shifted revenue tracking from Excel to Lists. Metadata captured scheduled and issued revenue, with automated reminders linked to payment dates. Improved collaboration between departments.

Project Management: Created a RAID log in Lists, integrated with Teams for easy updates and shared visibility.

Think of SharePoint Lists as the pickleball of data management - fun, engaging and a great way to work off all that chocolate!

Reflecting on my career journey - from executive assistant to management and now consulting - I’ve seen first-hand how dramatically the workplace has transformed. The tools we have today, like SharePoint Online, Teams, OneDrive and Loop, have fundamentally reshaped how we work. They’ve introduced a new level of precision, efficiency and collaboration that once felt out of reach.

What’s even more exciting is the untapped potential of these tools. By maximising the value of your existing technology stack, you can solve everyday challenges without adding new subscription costs.

Start With the End in Mind

One of the most impactful lessons I’ve learnt is the importance of designing with the final format in mind. Whether planning the structure of a SharePoint site or a collaborative workspace, keeping the desired outcome as the focal point helps deliver processes that genuinely add value.

Streamlined Solutions for Boards: SharePoint in Action

In my early days as an executive assistant, preparing content and collating board meeting packs was a time-consuming process. Once the content was finalised, it had to be printed and combined into neat folders or binders for easy access. Today, digital tools allow us to revolutionise this process.

With SharePoint, we can create a dedicated site tailored for executive meetings and board activities. This site becomes a central hub for essential information - financial reports, strategic documents and performance data. Instead of sorting through paper or emails, board members access what they need, when they need it.

By creatively using SharePoint’s features, you can avoid expensive third-party solutions while achieving robust functionality. For example, financial reports managed by the Finance team can be tagged with metadata like approval status, integrated into workflows and filtered to show only approved reports. These views can be securely shared with the Board Group via Quick Links on the board site.

This approach maintains a single source of truth, eliminates duplication and ensures governance - all while delivering a seamless experience. It’s proof that smart use of existing tools can yield powerful outcomes.

Modern Event Management: Teams, SharePoint, Planner and Visio

In the early 2000s, I helped organise an annual breakfast event called Secbrek, which at its peak hosted over 1,000 attendees at Crown Melbourne. It was an incredible project, and looking back, I wonder how much time and repetition we could have saved with today’s tools.

For fun, I built a demo Team and Site to show how this might look using standard Microsoft 365 apps - let me know if you’d like to see it.

In a nutshell:

• Microsoft Teams serves as the central hub for planning and coordination, enabling real-time communication.

• SharePoint complements Teams as a repository for BEO (Banquet Event Order) elements and other documentation.

• Planner allows tasks to be assigned and tracked, keeping workflows and deadlines on track.

• Visio adds a visual layer for room configurations, seating and equipment placement. These can be shared in Teams channels for feedback and approval.

This Teams-first approach centralises event management, eliminates the need for additional software and ensures seamless collaboration from start to finish.

The Path Forward

Today’s technology allows us to turn once-impossible ideas into reality. By beginning with the final format in mind and applying a little creative thinking, you can redefine how work gets done and elevate outcomes -without added costs.

Having experienced the workplace’s evolution firsthand, I’m passionate about sharing insights and helping others unlock the potential of tools they already have.

Need help to optimise your workflow or explore new possibilities? Get in touch - we’re here to make work life simpler.

Behavioural diversity is a hidden superpower that drives innovation, productivity and collaboration in modern workplaces. As organisations embrace hybrid environments - where colleagues interact both virtually and in person - the nuances of behavioural diversity become even more vital. Understanding how our coworkers communicate, make decisions and approach work differently can transform the way we collaborate, especially when guided by frameworks like DiSC.

What Is DiSC?

DiSC is a behavioural assessment tool that categorises individuals into four primary personality styles:

• Dominance: Results-driven and efficient, with a high-energy approach to problem-solving.

• Influence: Relationship-focused, creating a positive and engaging work atmosphere.

• Steadiness: Methodical and empathetic, promoting harmony and dependability.

• Conscientiousness: Detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy and high standards.

While we all have a mix of these styles, most people lean towards one or two in specific situations. Recognising and appreciating these differences can improve communication and reduce misunderstandings - especially in hybrid work environments.

How DiSC and Behavioural Diversity Drive Better Collaboration

1. Enhancing Collaboration When team members understand each other’s behavioural styles, they can adjust their communication to be more effective. For example, a Dominance-oriented colleague may prefer brief, direct updates during virtual meetings, while someone with a Steadiness style might appreciate a more empathetic and detailed approach. Acknowledging these preferences fosters smoother interactions and stronger collaboration.

2. Bridging the Physical-Digital Divide Hybrid workplaces blur the lines between face-to-face and virtual communication. Those with an Influence orientation, who thrive on personal connections, may struggle with the impersonal nature of virtual meetings. DiSC insights can help leaders design hybrid strategies - such as prioritising video calls or regular check-ins to bridge these gaps.

3. Resolving Conflict Behavioural diversity can lead to disagreements, but these are easier to manage when underlying tendencies are understood. For instance, someone high in Conscientiousness may prioritise rules and processes, potentially clashing with a Dominance-focused colleague who wants fast results. DiSC helps teams navigate these dynamics constructively.

4. Fostering Innovation Great ideas come from diverse perspectives. DiSC highlights the value of different approaches and thought processes. Hybrid environments, where teams work asynchronously, allow colleagues to leverage each other’s strengths while brainstorming - regardless of location.

Capturing and Sharing DiSC Insights with SharePoint

To make behavioural insights accessible, organisations can use SharePoint as a central repository. SharePoint enables teams to create dedicated sites, libraries or Lists to store and categorise DiSC profiles, communication preferences and collaboration tips.

Examples include:

• Personal Profiles: Upload individual DiSC profiles so colleagues can view behavioural styles and preferred working methods. This is especially helpful for onboarding.

• Training Resources: Store guides and materials on applying DiSC knowledge in hybrid settings.

• Collaborative Updates: Use SharePoint’s co-authoring features to document lessons learned and best practices for leveraging behavioural diversity.

By making behavioural diversity an open and shareable resource, organisations improve communication and embed inclusivity into everyday workflows.

Behavioural diversity is not about changing who we are - it’s about leveraging who we are to achieve better outcomes. The DiSC framework offers a practical way to embrace and celebrate these differences, making the workplace more inclusive, productive and enjoyable for everyone.

In an era where hybrid work is the norm, understanding and applying behavioural diversity can become your organisation’s secret weapon.

Feel free to reach out if you'd like ideas on how to capture and share DiSC profiles in your SharePoint environment.

Knowledge is more than just information. It’s the backbone of an organisation’s identity and culture. From documented processes to the invaluable expertise of employees - often referred to as tribal knowledge - retaining and leveraging this wisdom is essential for continuity, efficiency and innovation.

Yet without a system to capture, organise and share this wealth of knowledge, it risks being lost - particularly when employees depart, retire or transition into other roles. This is where SharePoint shines as a powerful tool for transforming scattered expertise into a structured, accessible and evolving knowledge base.

What Is Tribal Knowledge?

Tribal knowledge refers to the kind of wisdom that doesn’t always make it into official manuals - the tricks of the trade, lessons learned from experience and innovative solutions that emerge in the moment. It’s the knowledge that keeps things running smoothly when the 'real work' gets done.

A seamless way to capture and share this invaluable insight is through Microsoft 365 apps like SharePoint, Teams, Forms and Lists. These tools enable employees to record their know-how in real time, making it accessible to those who need it. This not only builds organisational knowledge but fosters a culture where collaboration and knowledge-sharing thrive.

Employees feel more connected, empowered and engaged when their expertise is recognised as a valuable resource.

Managing Structured Information

Beyond personal expertise, businesses generate vast amounts of structured information - policies, procedures, project plans, technical documents and more. While this type of content is easier to document, keeping it organised and up to date can quickly become a challenge. Without proper management, essential knowledge can become buried, outdated or misused.

Information architecture is a key component of SharePoint design. Whether choosing between Sites and Channels or Documents, Pages and Notebooks, there are many options for capturing and managing information. The right choice depends on your organisation’s unique needs, influenced by factors such as budget, company size, the type of data you collect and your position on the digital maturity model.

Keeping Knowledge Current

The key to maximising impact lies in maintaining data ownership and committing to regular updates. Keeping information relevant and current ensures knowledge remains a valuable resource rather than an overlooked archive. With the right structure in place, SharePoint transforms fragmented information into a reliable, dynamic and user-friendly knowledge hub.

The Strategic Advantage

Every organisation faces a choice: allow valuable knowledge to slip through the cracks or implement systems that transform information into a strategic advantage. With SharePoint, businesses don’t just store knowledge - they leverage it to drive innovation, efficiency and long-term success.

Need help structuring content across SharePoint and Teams? Get in touch, we love this type of work!

Risk management - everyone knows it’s important, but let’s be honest: most people hear the word and run. It’s often seen as a compliance headache, a box to tick for auditors. But if you can’t see your risks, how can you manage them?

At CurlPoint, we believe risk visibility isn’t about adding more red tape. It’s about empowering teams to spot risks early, take ownership and turn risk management into a proactive strategy.

The Problem with Spreadsheets

Many organisations still rely on spreadsheets to track risks. But spreadsheets create blind spots:

• Limited collaboration keeps risk data locked in silos

• Manual updates slow response times

• Reactive reporting means issues only surface when it’s too late

The real challenge? Risk doesn’t start in a register. It starts in everyday workflows. The people closest to the work are the first line of defence - not the person presenting risk data to an auditor.

Embedding Risk Awareness in the Workplace

Risk management works best when it’s part of daily operations. Employees should be able to identify and mitigate risks before they escalate. To make this seamless across teams and leadership levels, organisations need structured risk categories that align project-level risks with board-level reporting.

Common categories include:

• Strategic risks: Market competition, regulatory changes, mergers

• Operational risks: Supply chain issues, IT failures, workforce gaps

• Financial risks: Budget overruns, fraud, currency fluctuations

• Compliance risks: Regulatory breaches, IP risks, legal disputes

• Cybersecurity risks: Data breaches, hacking threats, privacy concerns

• Health, safety and environmental risks: Hazards, compliance, sustainability

• Reputational risks: Brand perception, customer dissatisfaction, ethics

• Project-specific risks: Resource shortages, unclear scope, stakeholder misalignment

Standardising risk categories ensures project teams speak the same language as executive decision-makers. This connected ecosystem supports Board discussions, Finance Risk Committee reporting and business continuity planning - making risk a strategic tool, not just a compliance necessity.

Using Microsoft 365 to Build a Risk Ecosystem

You don’t need extra third-party tools to improve risk visibility. Microsoft 365 already provides everything needed to build an integrated Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) platform.

Here’s how:

• SharePoint: Central hub for policies, procedures, approvals and plans

• Permissions and audience targeting: Manage access securely

• Teams: Collaborative space for risk discussions

• Lists: Structured risk register with multiple views and automation

• List Forms or Microsoft Forms: Simplify data capture

• Power Automate: Turn manual processes into workflows that flag risks and assign actions

When structured correctly, these tools embed risk management into everyday processes. Risks are seen and addressed before they escalate.

Making Risk Reporting Accessible

A risk register isn’t effective unless it’s accessible to everyone. Use high-contrast colours, readable fonts and intuitive layouts to ensure visibility including for those with vision impairments. Accessibility is part of visibility.

Looking Ahead: AI and Risk Forecasting

For organisations ready to enhance their risk strategy, Copilot in Microsoft 365 offers new opportunities. AI can:

• Generate risk summaries

• Surface emerging trends

• Streamline compliance documentation

This shifts risk management from reactive to proactive. But before heading down the AI path, make sure your information architecture is solid.

Need help starting or reviewing your foundation sites? Get in touch - we help businesses turn SharePoint into a true business asset.

For small businesses without a dedicated CRM - or those missing key evaluation features - a Go/No Go List in SharePoint offers a straightforward yet powerful way to assess opportunities and document decision-making.

Why Use a Go/No Go List?

Opportunities come in all shapes and sizes, but not everyone aligns with a company’s values, priorities or strategic direction. By using SharePoint Lists, businesses can create a structured evaluation system that quickly identifies whether an opportunity is a Go, needs further discussion or is a definite No Go.

Assigning ratings to responses for structured questions makes it easy to standardise evaluations and ensure informed choices. With calculated columns and formatting, results become instantly visible, helping decision-makers prioritise opportunities at a glance.

Beyond improving decision-making, tracking evaluations in SharePoint creates an audit trail that supports transparency and compliance -especially for businesses working towards ISO accreditation. It allows organisations to demonstrate how and why decisions were made, aligned with industry standards.

Best Practices for Setup

To get the most out of a Go/No Go List, it’s important to design effective scoring criteria. Consider:

• Weighting different factors based on strategic importance

• Establishing clear definitions for each rating level

• Ensuring criteria reflect company values and priorities

Conditional formatting improves accessibility and clarity:

• Use colour-coded outcomes with contrast-friendly shades such as dark green for Go, deep red for No Go and amber for Needs Discussion

• Apply icons to reinforce visual cues, supporting users with colour vision deficiencies

• Consider alternative indicators like bold text or patterns to supplement colour cues

While SharePoint Lists are valuable on their own, they can be enhanced with Rules and Quick Steps to streamline workflows. Power Automate can trigger follow-up actions based on decision outcomes, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

Overcoming Common Pitfalls

Some businesses face challenges when implementing decision-making frameworks. Common issues include:

• Poorly defined criteria leading to inconsistent evaluations

• Lack of stakeholder buy-in, reducing adoption and effectiveness

To avoid these pitfalls:

• Collaborate with key team members during setup

• Refine questions and scoring over time

• Keep the system intuitive and easy to use

Long-Term Value and Continuous Improvement

A Go/No Go List shouldn’t be static. It should evolve as business priorities shift. Regular reviews help refine the criteria and ensure long-term effectiveness in decision-making.

By leveraging SharePoint’s built-in capabilities, businesses can:

• Streamline decision-making

• Align opportunities with strategic goals

• Maintain a clear evidence trail for compliance

A well-structured Go/No Go List is more than just a checklist - it’s a practical tool that helps businesses make smarter, more accountable decisions.

A process review isn’t about how people work - it’s about how work flows. It means stepping through the touchpoints, tools and handovers involved in a task or function. Think of it as mapping out a journey to spot the speed bumps, detours or dead ends.

At CurlPoint, we use three guiding questions to shape every review:

• Is this step still needed?

• Can technology handle it?

• Who is best placed to own it?

The goal is clearer ownership, fewer delays and more time for higher-value work.

When it comes to streamlining, technology isn’t always the starting point. A key part of any review is understanding the digital maturity of the workplace. Are systems already in place but underused? Are staff confident navigating Microsoft 365 tools like SharePoint Lists, Forms or document libraries?

We favour a “Rules first” approach - using built-in features like rules and quick steps in SharePoint and Outlook. These are lightweight, user-friendly and don’t require IT intervention. They help guide behaviour, reduce manual follow-ups and create structure.

Once the basics are working well, we look at Power Automate for more advanced workflows. These can scale beautifully, but only when layered onto solid processes and confident users.

Common Resistance (and Why It’s Worth Pushing Through)

We often hear:

• “We’re too busy to review right now.”

• “It’s working fine for now.”

• “We don’t want to break anything.”

All valid concerns. But what we’ve found is that a short, focused review saves far more time than it costs. And doing nothing can mean small inefficiencies quietly stack up into bigger frustrations.

What Change Can Look Like

Here are a few examples:

• A marketing team cuts content approval time from five days to one by using rules and templates

• A not-for-profit simplifies grant applications by streamlining document sharing

• A professional services firm speeds up recruiting and onboarding by automating document flows

Across sectors, the results are similar: fewer emails, faster response times and smoother collaboration.

At CurlPoint, we combine SharePoint expertise with practical business insight to design processes that feel natural, not forced. Whether it’s simplifying document approvals or helping teams collaborate better, our reviews are built around real-world needs. And because we know your time is already stretched, we focus on quick wins alongside long-term improvements.

Reviewing your processes isn’t a luxury - it’s an investment in smoother operations, happier staff and better results. If it feels too hard to begin, we’re here to help.