When I start a piece of work with a client, I want to know…
““When I start a piece of work with a client, I want to know two things straight away: why are they doing this work, and what do they want to achieve when it’s finished. You may be surprised (though I’m not any more) to hear that in most cases no-one actually knows.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Clients often lack clear objectives, leading to ambiguous outcomes and wasted effort.
In simple terms: Clients may not know their goals.
Key Takeaway
Clarify purpose before starting.
Themes
communication
planning
client relations
Mood
reflective
practical
Type
strategic
consultative
When to use this quote
- business proposals
- creative collaborations
- product development
Key Concepts
goal setting
project scope
expectation management
Questions to Reflect On
- What questions reveal true client intent?
- How can you guide clients to define success?
A Different Perspective
Assuming clarity can overlook hidden constraints.