The Forbidden O-WORD

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I joke that every time someone says the O-word a kitten dies. But I say that for a reason – so you have a little twinge of anxiety every time you say it, and every time anyone else says it.

The o-word is ‘ongoing’.

Why is it so bad?

The O-word when planning

If your plan is “for the electrical work to be o……. during the build of the house”, you are saying that you have no idea what the electricians are actually going to do when. In fact they can do what they like – probably doing nothing for the first half and than having a panic at the end and delivering late. You cna’t even chase them becuase there is no plan to hold them to – they can just say “don’t worry, it’s all going fine, this is normal” and you can’t argue with that.

But once you granulate them down to a weekly plan you can see if the plan looks feasible (or too easy!) and then you can hold them to it as the weeks go by. Result!

The O-word when implementing

If you ask someone how they are getting on and they say “it’s ong……” then what have you learned? Nothing! They have probably started it, but that’s it!

But once you granulate them down to a weekly plan you can see if they are keeping up with it as the weeks go by.

Result!

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1 thought on “The Forbidden O-WORD”

  1. Compelling! TY for this concise post.
    I am in science and data. i often say my to my civil engr students: We sell certainty. Than more uncertainty out-here (read: the client’s needs), than more the opp for us to shine (read: budget). I think, PMs will join me on it.

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