Work Management Glossary
Clear Definitions for the Language of Modern Work
Great work begins with a shared understanding.
When teams use the same words but mean different things, misalignment happens fast — work slows down, communication breaks down, and confusion grows.
This glossary brings together the essential terms, concepts, frameworks, and vocabulary that define the discipline of Work Management.
Use it to create clarity, improve communication, and build a stronger operational foundation across your entire organization.
Why a Work Management Glossary Matters
✔ Creates a Shared Language
Teams work faster and make better decisions when they use the same terminology with the same meaning.
✔ Reduces Miscommunication
Ambiguous language leads to duplicated work, missed deadlines, and unclear ownership. Clear definitions eliminate that friction.
✔ Enhances Coordination
A consistent vocabulary strengthens cross-team collaboration and makes handoffs smoother.
✔ Improves Training & Onboarding
New hires learn your team’s operating system faster when the language is clear and consistent.
✔ Supports System Design
Tools like Asana, Monday.com, ClickUp, and Notion work best when backed by clear conceptual definitions.
How to Use This Glossary
1. Align Your Team on the Terms
Review the glossary with your team to establish clarity around core concepts.
2. Embed Terms Into Workflows and SOPs
Use consistent language in workflows, templates, and documentation.
3. Reference Definitions When Designing Work
As you build workflows or coordinate cross-functional work, use the glossary to maintain clarity.
4. Share With New Team Members
Make this glossary part of your onboarding materials.
5. Contribute to the Discipline
As new concepts evolve, the glossary will grow — the Work.Management community helps shape how the discipline matures.
Glossary Terms (Starter Set)
Work Management
The discipline of clarifying, coordinating, and completing work in a predictable, effective, and sustainable way.
Workflow
A repeatable sequence of steps used to complete a task or process.
Workstream
An ongoing area of work that supports a larger project or initiative.
Clarity
A shared understanding of what needs to be done, by whom, by when, and why.
Coordination
The process of ensuring work moves smoothly across people, teams, tools, and responsibilities.
Completion
Finishing work reliably, consistently, and on time.
Collaboration
Working together with transparency, trust, and shared context to achieve a goal.
C4 Flywheel™
A Work Management model describing how teams build momentum through Clarity → Coordination → Completion, powered by Collaboration.
Coordination Stack™
A framework that ensures alignment by answering five questions: Who? What? When? How? Why?
Work Orchestration
The process of structuring, synchronizing, and aligning work across teams, systems, and workflows.
Intake Workflow
A structured process for receiving and triaging incoming requests, tasks, or ideas.
SOP (Standard Operating Procedure)
A documented set of instructions outlining how recurring work should be performed.
Capacity
The amount of work a team or individual can complete within a given period.
Throughput
The rate at which work is completed in a workflow or system.
Handoff
The moment when work transitions from one person or team to another.
Visibility
The ability for teams to see progress, priorities, deadlines, and responsibilities in real time.
Glossary Explanation
A clear, concise glossary of essential Work Management terms, concepts, and frameworks. Use this guide to build a shared language across your team and strengthen how you plan, coordinate, and execute work.