Be ready to step away.
It’s easy to keep going, even when things go wrong. Measure what matters so you know if the project is worth continuing.
Questions to reflect on
What would tell us it is time to stop?
What would tell us it is time to stop?
Know when to quit. Create measures for success. If your solution isn’t on track to deliver, be ready to stop and walk away. Confirm the benefits of doing your project outweigh the costs. Know that, as humans, we are hardwired to keep digging and often struggle to let go of something we’ve started.
- What measures matter most?
- What would show the solution is not on track?
- When would the benefits no longer outweigh the costs?
Why is this so hard?
Why is this so hard?
Stick it out too long, and you risk dragging everyone into a bad place when people realise the project, option or approach is a dud. If you cannot throw a proverbial bucket of cold water over yourself and the project directors, you risk constantly chasing your tail and digging a deeper hole.
“People think focus means saying yes to the thing you’ve got to focus on. It means saying no to the hundred other good ideas that there are.” — Steve Jobs
- Where are we already too committed?
- Who needs to hear hard truths early?
- What would help us stop digging if the work is not delivering?
Review readiness
Loading project readiness…
Plays are tools and guides to help you apply this rule.
Further reading
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Read
Mega-projects need value clarity, not just better governance
Better governance helps, but big projects also need clearer assumptions and a clearer view of value before they become expensive to change.
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Read
One quick way to feel on top of your projects
Everything cannot be equally important. Use the free readiness check to identify one thing to improve next.
Ready to move on?
If you can measure what matters and decide clearly whether to continue, you are ready for the next job of delivering and embedding the solution.
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.
Downloads
