There are only two times when we get to tell people what to do: in a true emergency or when they are not yet competent and confident in the task.
Every other time, we’re far better off (yes, even when we think we don’t have the time) to point out what’s new or how something is deviating from the desired goals and explore what they think they might do to address it.
In your corner,
Mike
PS: “I notice that the margin on this project is lower than normal. What might be some good next steps to correct it?” works far better than, “Call the vendor and get them to cut their price then tell the client we have to put through a change order!” One generates cooperation, the other generates resistance and waste.
Today’s photo credit: Mike Mills cc