Oh My, I Hate My Job

Whenever you’re working with difficult clients you invariably run into this question, “What’s your strategy?”

The problem with difficult clients is when they explain what they’re up to it usually it sounds viable.  Then, as you begin to work with them you start to have some doubts.  It begins like an itch just barely perceptible.  Soon it flares into a full fledged hives.

The guys at Ontologi had a simple little tool to help you take a strategy out for a mental test drive.  (Apparently they have many more, but they keep them a little closer to their vest.)

The Strategy Muster Test for Difficult Clients

Is the strategy FRL?

Focus - Robustness – Leverage

Is their strategy focused?
Do they have a point? A reason? A purpose? Is it clear? Can it be clearly communicated to those who need to know?

Is it robust?
Does it survive under less than ideal conditions? Does it require perfection in execution? How close to perfection does the strategy need to be executed to be successful, or worthwhile?

Is it leveraged or leverageable?
What can you get for what you’re putting in? Does the strategy give you more options, avenues and opportunities?

If it rates well on all three categories the strategy has a good chance of being viable.  Difficult clients with limp strategies don’t have to send you into black hole projects.  Use this quick and dirty rule of thumb for if your their strategy, perhaps you can become a hero by pinpointing areas that need to be shored up up revamped.

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