Conversations v2 in Perform & Engage 365: FAQs

Introduction

This article answers common questions about Conversations v2 in Perform & Engage 365.

Templates

Why can't I select my template when creating a campaign?

Only published templates can be used in campaigns. If your template is still in Draft status, it won't be available in the template selection step of the campaign wizard. Open the template and publish it before creating the campaign.

Why is the Publish button unavailable?

The template contains one or more validation errors that must be resolved before it can be published. One common cause is a viewer element that references an element that has been deleted or is no longer valid.

Can I edit a published template?

No. Published templates can't be edited directly. To make changes, duplicate the template, update the copy, publish it, and use the new version for future campaigns.

What happens if I update a template after launching a campaign?

Conversations generated by existing campaigns continue using the template design that was in place when the campaign was launched. Existing campaigns don't automatically adopt template changes.

Can I use the same template in multiple campaigns?

Yes. A single template can be used by multiple campaigns. Each campaign uses the template design as it existed when that campaign was launched.

Can I edit built-in templates?

No. You can't edit built-in templates directly. To customize a built-in template, duplicate it and modify the copied version.

Can I use templates from the legacy Conversations experience in Conversations v2?

No. Conversations v2 and the legacy conversations experience use separate template systems. Templates created in the legacy experience can't be used in Conversations v2 campaigns.

If you want to use a template in Conversations v2, create a new template or use one of the built-in templates available in the Conversations v2 template library.

What is the difference between legacy Conversations and Conversations v2?

Legacy Conversations and Conversations v2 are separate conversation experiences in Perform & Engage 365. They use different templates, configuration pages, campaigns, notifications, and conversation workflows.

Conversation templates, campaigns, and notifications created for one experience don't apply to the other experience.

When working with Conversations v2, use the templates, campaigns, and notification settings that are designed specifically for Conversations v2.

Campaigns

What is the difference between a template and a campaign?

A template defines the structure of a conversation, including its stages, sections, and elements. A campaign determines who receives conversations, when conversations are created, and how reviewers are assigned.

What campaign statuses are available?

Campaigns can have one of the following statuses:

Draft
Scheduled
Live
Completed
Closed.

What happens when I close a campaign?

Closing a campaign prevents any future conversations from being created. Existing conversations remain available and can still be viewed by participants and admins.

Can I reopen a closed campaign?

No. You can't reopen closed campaigns. If you want to continue the same process, create and launch a new campaign.

Can I edit a campaign after it has been launched?

No. Campaigns become read-only after launch. If changes are required, close the existing campaign and create a new campaign with the correct configuration.

Why should I review the campaign summary carefully before launching?

After a campaign is launched, its configuration becomes read only. Review the campaign name, template, participant list, reviewer assignment strategy, and timing settings carefully before launch. If any of these settings need to change later, you'll need to create a new campaign.

Can I change the template after launching a campaign?

No. Template selection is locked after launch. If you need to use a different template, close the campaign and create a new one.

Can I change reviewer assignment settings after launch?

No. Reviewer selection strategy can't be changed after a campaign has been launched.

Can I update campaign participants after launch?

No. Participant lists can't be changed after a campaign has been launched. Participants can be added, removed, or updated only while the campaign is in Draft status.

If participant changes are required after launch, close the existing campaign and create a new campaign with the correct participants.

What is the difference between Scheduled and Live campaigns?

A Scheduled campaign has been launched but is waiting for its configured start date. A Live campaign is actively creating conversations based on its timing configuration.

Conversations

What is a conversation?

A conversation is a structured discussion between a focus person and one or more reviewers. Each conversation is created from a campaign and follows the structure defined in a conversation template.

Who is the focus person?

The focus person is the employee the conversation is about. Each conversation has one focus person.

Who is a reviewer?

A reviewer is a participant assigned to review and contribute to a conversation. In most cases, this is the focus person's manager.

Why can't I see all stages in a conversation?

Stage visibility is controlled by the conversation template. Some stages might be visible only to the focus person, only to the reviewer, or to both participants. Hidden stages aren't displayed in the conversation experience.

What does the current stage mean?

The current stage is the stage the conversation is currently in. It's shared by all participants. After you submit your stage, the conversation might move to a stage that is visible only to another participant.

Can multiple participants answer the same question?

Yes. Many conversation elements support separate responses from different participants. For example, a reviewer and a focus person can each submit their own rating or response.

What happens after I submit a stage?

The conversation progresses to the next stage. Depending on the stage configuration, another participant might be notified to continue the conversation.

Can I edit my responses after submitting?

Not usually. Once a stage has been submitted, responses are typically locked. Admins can return the conversation to a previous stage if changes are required.

What happens when a conversation is completed?

The conversation becomes read-only. Responses, comments, and attachments remain available for viewing.

Elements and responses

What is a viewer element?

A viewer element displays a read-only copy of a response provided earlier in the conversation. It's commonly used to display self-review responses during later review stages.

Can I respond to a viewer element?

No. Viewer elements are read-only and can't accept responses.

Can a viewer element reference another viewer element?

No. Viewer elements can't reference other viewer elements.

What are data summary elements?

Data summary elements display information from other Perform & Engage 365 features, such as:

Check-ins
Goals
Recognition
Training activities.

Can participants answer data summary elements?

No. Data summary elements only display information. Participants can review the information and might be able to add comments.

What does conversation period control?

Conversation period determines how much historical data is displayed in data summary elements. A value of 0 displays all available historical data.

Attachments and comments

Can I upload files to a conversation?

Yes, but only on elements where the template creator has enabled attachments. When available, a paperclip icon is displayed on the element.

Who can see attachments?

Attachments are visible to participants who have visibility of the element where the attachment was uploaded.

Can I delete an attachment?

You can delete your own attachments while the stage remains editable. Once the conversation progresses past that stage, the attachments become read-only.

Can I comment on a response?

Yes. Participants can leave comments on elements where comments are available. Comments are visible to others who can access the element.

What happens to comments and attachments when a stage is completed?

Comments and attachments remain available throughout the remainder of the conversation and after the conversation has been completed.

Administration

Can admins see all stages?

Yes. Admins can view all stages of a conversation, regardless of participant visibility settings.

Can Super admins send a conversation back to a previous stage?

Yes. Super admins can use the Send back to previous stage action to return a conversation to an earlier stage so participants can update their responses.

What happens when a conversation is sent back?

The conversation moves back one stage and becomes editable again for the relevant participants. Existing responses, comments, attachments, and conversation history are preserved.

What happens if a reviewer can't be assigned?

If a reviewer can't be identified when a conversation is created, the conversation is created with a missing reviewer. Conversation and Super admins can assign a reviewer manually.

Can admins edit participant responses?

No. Admins can't edit participant responses.