Have you ever visited a website that was so hard to navigate, it felt like you were a toddler trying to find your favorite toy?
As a parent, I’ve seen first-hand the intensity of being a parent. In some ways, being a parent has helped me improve my analysis and writing skills by giving me new experiences and perspectives. This means that I can share my thoughts with you with a clearer understanding than ever before.
The Business Case provides the justification necessary to make the decision to invest in the project. It spells out the reasons for pursuing this path, over any other. It answers why we pursue one direction when there are many possibilities. Why does it matter now, when another technology is available as soon as we need it? Why does this have value for our customers, and sustain our business in the future?
As my son got older, I was content to answer his “Why?” about 612 times a day. But then he started asking me the “why” chain of questioning. Which would end one of two ways: him getting bored and stopping or me feeding him ice cream.
Understanding the why behind toddlers’ questions is important. They ask why out of curiosity, to gain a better understanding of what they find scary or confusing, and as a way to bond with people through communication. Senior Executives also ask why when projects cost millions of dollars and are difficult to understand. It’s important to communicate this right from the beginning to avoid unnecessary tantrums later.
These situations could have been resolved by including toddlers in the room who would ask, “why?”
P5 Impact Analysis and Sustainability Management Plan, among other tools, have enabled me to understand the complexity of project planning. Developing patience and understanding of different perspectives has given me a stronger aptitude for asking questions. From why we’re choosing a certain supplier to why environmental benefits are prioritized in a project, all aspects need to be closely examined to make an informed decision.
The next time you write a Business Case, ask yourself if it can withstand the pressure of a room full of toddlers. If you’re unsure, it’s finally time to work on the next version and figure out why not.
