The Double-Edged Sword of Consulting Contracts
Hello, Agile and Consulting Community! Today, we will discuss navigating the pitfalls of gaining traction for your consulting engagement. ⚔️
We often ponder the elements that can sink a consulting engagement right from the get-go. The answer lies where you least expect it.
Buckle up, let’s explore!
Over-Specifying in Contracts: A Common Pitfall
The moment “your contract states exactly what needs to be delivered, when, and at what cost, you’re already in deep trouble, right?” 🚩
You might believe that outlining everything in black and white gives you a sense of security, but in reality, it’s quite the opposite. In the consulting world, being too prescriptive in contracts can be the first nail in the coffin.
Uncertainty in Product Development
Why is this a problem?
Because that’s not the reality of the unpredictable nature of building products that don’t exist yet.
Projects are constantly evolving; requirements shift and unforeseen challenges arise. When a rigid contract shackles you, you’re just going to have a bad time.
Changing the Focus: Outcome Over Output
The solution is to flip the script. 🎯
You’ll want to talk about the ‘outcome’. For example. - What is it that you’re going to achieve? What value are you going to deliver to the customer?
By focusing on what matters, the actual value and end results, everything else is irrelevant.
Unlock Consulting Mastery with Agile and Scrum Courses
Don’t fall into the contract trap. Equip yourself with the agility and foresight to handle the unpredictability of consulting engagements.
My Agile and Scrum courses offer this much-needed perspective. Ready to redefine your consulting approach? Enroll today! 🌟
👉 Transform Your Consulting Career Now!
What to read next
Rethinking the Statement of Work: How to Truly Meet Client Needs Beyond the Contract
Explores why focusing solely on contracts can miss client needs, and how flexible, value-driven consulting builds stronger relationships and …
Navigating Client Needs: How Agile Consultants Can Uncover True Value Beyond Initial Requests
Explores how agile consultants identify clients' real needs, avoid common pitfalls, and deliver lasting value by looking beyond initial …
5 critical Skills to master as an Agile Consultant? Part 1
Explores essential skills for Agile consultants, focusing on understanding client context, embracing uncertainty, learning from setbacks, …
Unlocking Agile Consulting: Transform Your Organisation with Diverse Strategies and Continuous Learning
Explains Agile consulting by highlighting diverse strategies, continuous learning, and practical ways to help organisations improve …
How to Set and Achieve Effective Sprint Goals
Learn how to define, craft, and achieve effective Sprint Goals in Scrum, using frameworks like SMART and OKR to align teams, deliver value, …
Detecting agile theatre with real delivery signals
Why Most Companies Operating Models Fail in Dynamic Markets
A concise comparison of Predictive and Adaptive Operating Models, explaining why traditional structures fail in dynamic markets and how …
Don’t Manage Dependencies, Remove Them
Explains why dependencies are a sign of poor system design and outlines steps to eliminate them by aligning teams, clarifying ownership, and …
The Estimation Trap: How Tracking Accuracy Undermines Trust, Flow, and Value in Software Delivery
Tracking estimation accuracy in software delivery leads to mistrust, fear, and distorted behaviours. Focus on customer value, flow, and …
Flow of Value vs Flow of Work – Misnomer or Useful Shorthand?
Compares “flow of value” and “flow of work” in Kanban, explaining why only validated outcomes count as value and stressing the need for …
Why Outsourcing DevOps Fails, and How Real Engineering Excellence Starts With Your Team
Avoid DevOps vendor lock-in, discover how true engineering excellence starts with partnership, not outsourcing. Ready to transform your …
Why Most Companies Operating Models Fail in Dynamic Markets
A concise comparison of Predictive and Adaptive Operating Models, explaining why traditional structures fail in dynamic markets and how …
Don’t Manage Dependencies, Remove Them
Explains why dependencies are a sign of poor system design and outlines steps to eliminate them by aligning teams, clarifying ownership, and …
The Estimation Trap: How Tracking Accuracy Undermines Trust, Flow, and Value in Software Delivery
Tracking estimation accuracy in software delivery leads to mistrust, fear, and distorted behaviours. Focus on customer value, flow, and …
Kendall Guide - A System of Work for AI Adoption
Flow of Value vs Flow of Work – Misnomer or Useful Shorthand?
Compares “flow of value” and “flow of work” in Kanban, explaining why only validated outcomes count as value and stressing the need for …
Estimating Better in an Overloaded System Is a Poor Man’s Strategy
High work in progress (WIP) causes delays and unpredictability; improving estimates won’t help. Limiting WIP and focusing on flow is key to …