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I’m leading a team that is pushing back based on an optimistic reading of the client’s feedback. But my gut is telling me there’s more the clients aren’t saying so we should find a new solution.
We asked for clarifications but there’s been no response so we have to start work. What should we do? Be optimistic or conservative?
If we flop I’m to blame.
There’s no harm in showing both ways. Even if the feedback is clear but you dont agree with it, show what they want and something better.
If it’s prescriptive - line by line answering
Always read between the lines. That being said, don’t blow your idea up before you have to. Present the optimistic version and use it as a way to have that deeper conversation.
I’m my experience, the clients who can properly articulate what they want/allow you to show examples of things they haven’t thought of are few and far between. Go with your instinct and then go home because spinning and trying to be a mind-reader is time consuming.
Go with your gut. I have a client that writes long feedback justifying everything yet somehow saying nothing of substance. I need to translate it meticulously on what the actual ask is. Other clients are super clear and candid with the feedback. I always talk to people that know the client to learn from their past experiences with them.
Solve for the feedback. Don’t simply answer it.
Challenge your potential bias. (Sometimes we love ideas but there’s something we can’t see)
Challenge the business implication (why is it not just about the coolest work)
Use account and strat to get the best interpretation of it… have them follow up for clarity.
Tell account your goal and why it’s important and see if they have any potential observations (and listen!)
Remind client of their notes verbatim.
Then show them in the simplest possible way. .
Before Explaining (not overly) why it’s the best solution