Is this situation familiar? I experience this on a daily basis.
And it’s not that this is necessarily bad, but I often have to remember that I’m first a part of “customer service” and way before I ever get to “execute awesomeness.”
But, we can help educate our partner organizations, our ministries, our team-leads on how to best “clarify the win,” and nothing helps a conversation better than asking, very simply, which is the “most” important right now:
- Cost
- Speed
- Quality
In other words, do you want this “cheaper,” “faster,” or “better?” Of course you’ll have a mix, but focusing in can do a lot of good and will save you time later.
Easy to remember and even more effective when practiced!
James Brooks says
I think that this counts for a lot of situations. I currently work for a clothing company who customise and brand clothing, and we get this all the time.
You can’t always have your cake AND eat it – what a silly saying!
John Saddington says
dude, you’re telling me.
benrwoodard says
I just sat down with an intern at our church yesterday and discussed our need for a new website comp for our church. I explained why we needed a new website and then gave him “guidance” on what type of design we wanted. (your caption sounds a lot like my guidance) I think I need to call him back today and re-clarify.
John Saddington says
sweet! hope it helps! rock it solid!
Brian Spessard says
When you’re working around people who don’t always “get” this, or are constantly pushing you to achieve all three on every project, work becomes frustrating (as I have experienced over and over). Educating our superiors in a gentle, loving way is the key to avoiding gray hair 🙂
John Saddington says
in a “gentle” way is the win.
Andrew Mason says
I know a guy in the video biz who always says:
“Fast. Cheap. Good.”
(dramatic pause)
“Pick two.”
ie…You can have it”good” & “fast”, but it won’t be “cheap”.
John Saddington says
in terms of code and dev now you can have all three.
Andrew Mason says
Touché! 🙂
Daniel Berman says
Been there, and done that, and gotten the t-shirt. What to day with those times that you know you have something awesome that could improve the situation tremendously, but just don’t look forward to fighting all the red tape?
John Saddington says
relational capital. that’s what it’s about!