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Commit to Not Commit

Part 2, Don't assume you know all there is to know.

Nicole Williams's avatar
Nicole Williams
Oct 01, 2023
∙ Paid

“Projects are often started by jumping straight to a solution, even a specific technology. That’s the wrong place to begin. You want to start by asking questions and considering alternatives. At the outset, always assume that there is more to learn. Start with the most basic question of all: Why?”
Bent Flyvbjerg

person holding purple and white card
Photo by Eden Constantino on Unsplash

In project management, the phrase "commit to not commit" refers to the intentional decision not to pursue a particular course of action. This decision is made when a project aligns differently from the overall goals, priorities, or resources available, and it involves refraining from investing time, effort, or resources in pursuing it. This approach ensures that resources are utilized efficiently and effectively, with the focus remaining on the most important and high-priority tasks.

The "commit to not commit" concept promotes continuous learning and avoids hasty conclusions. It encourages individuals to identify flaws and opportunities b…

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