Other Related Sites

Being a romantic, I sought to treat my wife to a special meal at our neighbourhood restaurant. We had been there previously, and although they didn't know us too well , they would realise who we were.

I called up for an twilight booking (since we like to move on to other things) and was greeted by a charming lady who, by her voice, may have been of Italian origin. I asked for 7:00 p.m. on the next Friday, and she said 'that will be fine', but didn't ask who I was.

I asked her if she wanted my name and a ‘phone number to confirm the booking, but she assured me that it wasn’t necessary, telling me that at they don't take bookings that early in the evening since it wouldn't be hectic.

In the event, when we arrived, you guessed it, they had a party in and while the evening wasn't ruined it definitely took a downturn. It was sad to have to be firmly adamant, and after a wait and a drink at the bar we did make that evening date, although it wasn't what either of us desired.

What went wrong? Well I went wrong when I didn't make sure that I got the booking before I rang off. I didn't get commitment.

Talking to a decision maker, the other day, it became clear to me that he was suffering the same dilemma. He had grown used to asking his development team 'How's it going' in a easy going way, because he felt that it conveyed accord and trust.

As it happened he generally got the answer 'fine, its going fine', which he assumed to be just that. Of course it wasn't really great, and it turned out that he suffered from delays and software problems that he hadn't expected, giving him insomnia and financial pressure as the development resources were consumed.

If developers and their supervisors aren't challenged clearly what the situation is, then human nature decrees an answer that matches the original enquiry (read fuzzy).

So rather than pausing at the phrase 'how are things', why not push on until you get a firm commitment.

‘how's it going?'

'When will it be tested?'

'That's the 3rd July?'

'And you will have finished the development phase?'

'All the bugs will be ironed out?'

'You are committed to deliver to schedule?'

Even if some of the replies you get are not exactly what you want, you will be in a much better position to deal with the situation than if you just consented to their fuzzy responses.

To get commitment ensure you ask for it. Be clear that that you don't accept an woolly answer and keep enquiring until you have entire confirmation.

If you fail to get commitment at every phase of your effort you leave everything to luck. By asking courteously but persistently for a clear and unambiguous reply to your request you will avoid the disaster that bunches into a concertina at the end of the plan.

For the last 20 years Rob Wendes has been providing stress free business technology solutions to Business owners and professionals. http://www.tactips.com

More Resources for Software Consultant

Back To My Resources