When your insight projects fall flat, you can blame it on sloppy execution, using the “wrong” method, a biased research sample, unengaged stakeholders, a weak partner, or a hundred other things.
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:
- We treat scoping conversations like in-depth interviews, digging beyond the project itself to understand its bigger purpose. By exploring how this initiative connects to others, we gain a clearer picture of what success truly looks like.
- We approach these conversations with a healthy dose of skepticism, intent on distinguishing facts from assumptions. Our goal is to uncover what’s backed by data versus what needs further exploration. Why? Because blind spots can quickly derail a project.
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.
