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Model / Deliver a Project / Set the Direction / Look for tried and tested options
Rule 07 of 13

Look for tried and tested options.

Before you commit, compare proven options and ask whether an existing approach could deliver the outcome.

A selection of established measuring tools, including a yellow tape measure.

Questions to reflect on

What are the real options?

Identify different solutions to achieve your goal. When comparing options, look for modularity, speed, and the ability to test and learn. Focus on using tried and tested techniques, technology, materials or methods. Stand on the shoulders of giants and avoid building from scratch or customising.

  • What different solutions could achieve the goal?
  • Which options are modular, faster, or easier to test?
  • Which options use proven methods rather than custom work?

Are we getting attached too early?

Humans are hardwired to commit to one option, so resist this impulse. Compare different options to see your preferred choice in a new light. New, untested approaches often mean more surprises and setbacks. The more you must learn as you go, the harder and more expensive your project becomes.

  • What is making our preferred option feel attractive?
  • What would a safer, more proven option look like?
  • What would reduce risk, cost, or learning time?
  • Which options are easiest to test and scale?

Review readiness

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Plays are tools and guides to help you apply this rule.

Further reading

  1. Article

    How to apply one of my all-time success factors – modularity

    Read
  2. Article

    How to choose the best solution

    Read

Ready to move on?

Once you have looked across the options and chosen a safer way forward, you can move into the next job and start proving the idea works in the real world.

Confluity Project Model sitemap

Model overview

What are Jobs?

The model is organised into three Jobs:

Job 1: Set the Direction - shape the purpose into options and a preferred way forward.

Job 2: Prove It Works - test assumptions and reduce risk before going big.

Job 3: Make It Happen - deliver at scale and make sure people actually use what you build.

What are Simple Rules?

The model contains simple rules. These are short principles drawn from experience that help you make better decisions. Jobs, tasks, and plays help you put those rules into practice.

What is a Play?

A Play is a method or tool that helps you apply a rule or complete a task. Use the recommended Plays first for simpler projects before exploring others.

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