6 Comments
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Samuel Spencer's avatar

Has anyone ever agreed on a single definition for “client”?

What happens if you can’t get that agreement?

Nazan | NextInData's avatar

Also before debating metrics or definitions, there has to be a shared commitment to work together. Collaboration is the prerequisite. Without that baseline alignment, no framework, governance model, or “best practice” will stick.

Nazan | NextInData's avatar

Yes, very common problem😊 When someone resists defining “client," these solutions can be helpful:

Tie it to a decision-> Frame the definition around revenue, targets, reporting, or compensation, not semantics.

Use labeled variants if needed-> Client(Finance), Client(Product), etc. Make differences explicit.

Timebox the discussion-> Set a deadline; escalate if there’s no agreement.

Document the disagreement-> Write down competing definitions coming from different units and impacts.

Thao Vo's avatar

Very good read! I would say this is a common theme across most organizations. I love the approach to define the most important 5s!

Jerry's avatar

I was waiting for this one! Thanks for sharing.