> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://ask.birdie.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://ask.birdie.ai/admin-and-settings/initiatives.md).

# Initiatives

## Overview

The Initiatives settings page lets admins manage custom statuses and measurement timeframes. These settings standardize initiative tracking across your organization.

## Custom statuses

Use custom statuses to match your team's workflow. The statuses table shows the label, color, parent status, release trigger, and default tag. Use the default tag to set the starting status for new initiatives.

<figure><img src="/files/G5GrPjswLoNQcLFyhhKd" alt="Initiative statuses settings"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Parent statuses

Every custom status maps to one parent status:

* **To Do** — work has not started.
* **Doing** — work is in progress.
* **Done** — work is complete.

Parent statuses add a clear high-level stage to each custom status. They also make progress easier to read across linked opportunities.

### Create or edit a status

1. Click **+ Create new** to add a status.
2. Open the row menu and click **Edit** to update one.
3. Enter the **Status Label**.
4. Choose a **Color**.
5. Select a **Parent Status**.
6. Optional: enable **Triggers Release Date** if the status marks completion.
7. Save your changes.

### Reorder or delete statuses

Use the six-dot handle to reorder statuses. This changes their order in initiative dropdowns.

Delete a status from the row menu. Birdie only allows deletion when no active initiative uses that status.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Some system statuses are required and cannot be deleted.
{% endhint %}

## Measurement timeframe

The measurement timeframe defines how Birdie compares initiative start and completion dates. This setting applies across the organization. Changing it updates calculations in reports and dashboards.\ <br>

<figure><img src="/files/ixhQGPgvIPdA4w7FvaVl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Troubleshooting & FAQs

* **Why can't I delete a status?**\
  The status is still assigned to an active initiative, or it is system-required.
* **Why did my metrics change?**\
  Updating the measurement timeframe recalculates initiative reporting across dashboards.


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