Hey Reader,

Let’s talk about assumptions and how they sneak into even the best-laid project plans. I’ve got a story hot off the press from this week.

Just a few days ago, I was wrestling with a tricky scenario.

Our team had been working on phase 2 of a website project, and the general feeling was that we might have to stretch our existing budget to cover both the old and new commitments.

I was already bracing myself for a tough conversation with the client, but then I did something simple: I prayed, and sighed. (Prayer Emoji)

A day later, after a conversation with a colleague, God nudged me to take a closer look at our actual burn rate and utilisation. And just like that, I found we had around a thousand hours unused. It turned out that thanks to different holidays across our teams in the UK, Dubai, India, and the US, and a bit of smart shuffling around Diwali, we had more hours left than we thought.

So the lesson here is simple but powerful: never assume.

Even as an experienced PM, I needed that reminder. Always double-check your actuals rather than relying on what you think the numbers are.

Especially when things are busy and you're deep into delivery.

It’s about making sure your decisions are based on real data, not assumptions. This is a reminder to all of us: if you’ve inherited a project or you’re stepping into a new phase, do that sense check. Make sure you know exactly what you have in the tank before you make promises or worry about shortfalls.

Key takeaways:

• Always verify your numbers; don’t rely on assumptions.
• Understand the diverse schedules of global teams; holidays and local events can create unexpected efficiencies.
• Keep communication open and share these insights with your team to build confidence and clarity.

Let’s go into this week remembering that a quick double-check can save a whole lot of trouble. And let’s not make assumptions, at least not the kind that turn into headaches!

I run a private community for people who want their effort at work to actually matter, to their teams, organisations, and lives. You can explore it here:

Have a blessed week,

Yomi

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