But the real issue often starts before the work even begins — in the scoping and kickoff conversations that fail to surface the full needs of a project.
Too often, we see teams jump into projects without fully aligning on goals for the initiative or benchmarks of success.
The result? Insight projects that miss the mark.
It doesn’t have to be that way … but it does require you to work differently.
Sylver Consulting handles project scoping differently than most … and it makes the difference between projects that deliver “meh” insight vs. those that yield impact.
Do you want to know the secret? It’s summed up in two key principles:
Does this sound appealing? Reflect on how you’re being called to change…
A RESEARCHER who facilitates constructive scoping conversations:
Is a Question-Asker, Not an Order-Taker
Move beyond simply executing the client's request and instead challenge assumptions, asking deeper questions to uncover the true objectives of the project.
Embraces a Systems Thinking Mindset
Consider how the project fits within the broader organizational landscape, ensuring insights contribute to long-term strategic goals rather than just immediate needs.
Acts as a Thought Partner, Not Just a Data Collector
Engage in conversations that stretch the client’s thinking rather than just gathering information as asked for—at face value—in the Request for Proposal (RFP).
A CLIENT who invests in constructive scoping conversations:
Is Open to Challenging Their Own Assumptions
Acknowledge that not everything believed to be true is, and be willing to explore alternative perspectives.
Champions Transparency and Honest Dialogue
Share both knowns and unknowns openly with researchers to allow for a more effective discovery process.
Encourages Strategic Exploration, Not Just Confirmation
Embrace research as a way to uncover new opportunities and mitigate blind spots.
Brianna Sylver is the founder and President of Sylver Consulting. She focuses on helping clients identify, create and execute on their visions for growth. An innovation strategist and worldwide speaker, educator, and facilitator of innovation process, Brianna has a reputation in the industry as an “innovation leader within the innovation movement.” She holds a BFA in communication design from the University of Buffalo and a master's degree in human-centered communication design and design strategy (MDES) from the Institute of Design at IIT. 
Santana Wright has 5 years of experience in copywriting and social media marketing across multiple industries, from a small-town cafe to a global education group. Her passion for psychology, marketing, and writing and her curious nature push her to constantly explore new arenas and broaden her skills. She joined the Sylver Consulting social media team in 2024 as a Social Media and Marketing Associate Consultant, and she is excited to see how the innovation company can challenge her to grow even further.
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Reach out to set up a free discovery call. On this call, we’ll get clear on your scope of work to be tackled, how your initiative ladders to a broader business goal of your organization, and assess — without attachment — if Sylver Consulting is a “best fit partner” to support you in your scope of work.
