The Intelligence Lifecycle: Phase 5 - Dissemination

Finally, we've made it to the end of the Intelligence Lifecycle. What a ride it's been covering every phase together.
If you're just joining in and haven't read the earlier posts, no worries. I've got you covered.

We've previously discussed:
-Phase 1: Planning & Direction
-Phase 2: Collection
-Phase 3: Processing
-Phase 4: Analysis

And now...

Phase 5: Dissemination.
The final stage, Dissemination, involves delivering intelligence products to the appropriate units and decision-makers for action.
(Adapted from Baker & Henderson, 2017)

What does this mean for you?
Dissemination is about delivering the right intelligence to the right people at the right moment. You are no longer collecting or analyzing but are delivering something usable. It is vital that the intel is clear, timely, and actionable.

• Know your audience: Identify who needs this and why. Decision-makers, investigators, clients, or legal will each want different levels of detail.
• Tailor the format: Pick the format that fits the need. Brief, slide deck, written report, dashboard, quick note.
• Lead with the “so what”: Put the key findings and recommended next steps up front.
• Set timing and priority: Mark urgency and any time-sensitive items.
• Cite and caveat: Include sources, confidence levels, limits, and known gaps.
• Use visuals wisely: A clean graphic, map, or link chart can carry your point faster than a paragraph.
• Close the loop: Ask for feedback or follow-up tasks.
  

Do analysts always do this?
No.

In many organizations, analysts produce the intelligence product, but how it's shared depends on the structure and workflow.
For example:

-Small team/Private Investigations: Analysts often handle dissemination themselves. They send reports directly to clients, team leads, or investigators.

-Government/Military: Dissemination usually follows a formal review and approval process before reaching end users.

-Corporate: Dissemination might mean briefing leadership, sending a written summary to the client, or updating a risk dashboard.

Even if you're not hitting the "Send" button, you still play a key role in ensuring your work is ready to be shared.

💭 I'm Curious...
How do you handle dissemination in your role?
What challenges do you run into when trying to make your intel clear and actionable?

👀 Your turn
Drop your thoughts below or tag me on social media with your take on the final phase of the intelligence cycle.