This Year’s Lesson!

Posted by multo on Monday, December 22, 2008 · Leave a Comment  

I love Ladies Who Launch. As an alum, I get their daily tip. And today’s tip, wow, talk about a lesson for me this year:

From Victoria Colligan, Founder and CEO, Ladies Who Launch

Too many business deals fall through not because of bad ideas, bad people or unfavorable circumstances, but because of clarity – a lack of it to be specific. If goals, expectations and desired results are vague, the outcome you’re after is going to be forever out of reach. Striving for meaning and an understanding of exactly what the other party has in mind is the key. Here are my top five rules for getting to clarity in any conversation or negotiation:

1. Ask many questions. No question is a “dumb” question. Make no assumptions and nail down even the tiniest detail.

2. Use real life examples to demonstrate how a process or initiative will work and the results one can expect upon completion of a project.

3. Leave no stone unturned: Think of every scenario possible and force yourself and the negotiating party to walk through the example. Be clear about exceptions or special situations. Do NOT settle for ambiguity.

4. Determine metrics for success and a timeframe in which to achieve them. Agree to shift directions quickly when something is not working in the allotted timeframe.

5. Align your goals: This is key! Consider how you are working with a partner or consultant. Are your goals aligned? For example, if you pay someone by the hour, they are inherently motivated to work more hours and could possibly (even unconsciously) creating more work than is necessary. You might consider giving them a percentage of monetary success tied directly to the project they are working on so that your goals are aligned.

So true! Don’t be afraid to lay it all out, before you get in too deep. Clarity is something a person who’s honest will embrace and something a person who’s a scammer will avoid as long as possible. I will take this lesson to heart and never be afraid to get the details figured out first before launching any project!

Peace,
Melissa

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