I’ve been reflecting on the modes in which those of us that provide services operate on a day to day basis.
How do you decide what kind of approach is required in a given situation – say when a client is looking for help?
Think about this in terms of two modes – Mode 1 and Mode 2.
In Mode 1, the client has a clear brief. They know what they want and it’s set out in a specification.
In this mode, what we have to do is read the brief and come up with a budget to do the work.
If the budget is in line with what the client has and is good value compared to what else they have, then you’re in business.
In Mode 2, the client can see that there are issues they have to deal with, but is less clear on what the problem is or where to start.
Mode 2 starts with discovery, with trying to understand what is going on before moving to design an intervention and then deliver it.
We get muddled up when a client tries to attack a Mode 2 problem with a Mode 1 approach – asking you to get on and do some work or create a budget or proposal before it’s clear what’s actually required.
And Mode 2 applied to a Mode 1 problem is the old sledgehammer-nut issue – just get the work done instead.
One way to waste less time is to think a little bit more up front about which mode is appropriate for the next situation you’re in.
Handcrafted insight 