Quick fixes, experiments, projects and visions

When we’re presented with an ask, we have to properly diagnose the extent of effort or else we’ll be swimming in variables we were never prepared to handle.

There are 4 types of asks, and each comes with their own unique set of qualities and requirements.

⚡️ When to Tackle a Quick Fix

☑️ It’s within the scope of an existing project
☑️ There’s well-documented evidence of its necessity
☑️ There are clear, desired outcomes and known variables

🔬When to Organize an Experiment

☑️ There’s a problem with multiple possible outcomes
☑️ Has potential to create additional work outside original scope
☑️ Primarily an opportunity to learn MORE about a challenge we already know about

🧰 When to Plan a Project

☑️ Requires research and collaboration with multiple disciplines (copywriting, design, web development, etc.)
☑️ No defined scope or timeline
☑️ Multiple team members or stakeholders are invested in its outcome

🌠 When to Create a Vision

☑️ A new and unknown problem space
☑️ Team lacks clarity or focus (no “North Star”)
☑️ Requires storytelling, competitive strategy, and innovation

🥴 Sometimes we treat projects as quick fixes… which leads to rounds and rounds of endless revisions.

😒 And sometimes we treat experiments as visions, which leads to delayed learning and stalled progress.

It’s essential to right-size our approach for the task at hand so we don’t end up spinning our wheels or pulling our hair out.

So when it comes down to acting as a handyman, a scientist, a manager, or a visionary…

Which one do you need to be today?

👨‍🔧 👩‍🔬 👩🏻‍💻 🧙‍♂️

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