Mistakes We All Make (from time to time)

At the beginning of our engagements, there are many opportunities to make mistakes. Unfortunately, mistakes at such an early stage in an engagement can often become overwhelming later in the process and can lead to disastrous results. Here's a list from Brown & Kirkwood to watch out for.

• Accepting without question the accuracy of the business partner's stated objective or description of the problem.
• Failing to check for alignment of state objectives with departmental or corporate goals.
  Immediately focusing on a solution, implementation, and "the fix". (This is one we make all too often)
• Jumping to conclusions about how to go about conducting the project.
• Not asking clarifying questions regarding resources, results, timelines, and measurables.
• Agreeing to unrealistic timelines.
• Being intimidated by the title of the presenting sponsor or client.
• Not raising issues you feel uncomfortable with.
• Not challenging what is being avoided e.g. the facts, the risks, accountability, and defined results.
• Not asserting what's needed to be successful.
• Fear. "I'm not good enough."
• Overconfidence. "Been there, done that."
• Not tuning in to the potential value-drivers that can help to build the value proposition for the inevitable costs of the project.

We all know that there are many, many things during a project that can go wrong. But if we do not initiate the engagement the right way, many times it does not matter how well we can deliver - we may be delivering the wrong thing or we not in the correct fashion.