The Equation for Failure

While there is much disagreement about what the equation for success looks like, I am of the opinion that the equation for failure looks much like this:

Failure = (U + D) - (C1 + C2)

where
U = Understanding the client’s most important problems
D = Determining the best solution to those problems
C1 = Communicating the solution
C2 = Compelling and convincing the client that the proposed solution will really solve their problem

An equation for success can be extrapolated from our September 18 post - Business Development: Black Art or True Science?

Do you have an equation for failure or success? Please share it with us!

Karen Compton, CPSM. Published in the September 2012 issue of Project Management. Karen Compton is principal of A3K Consulting (Glendale, CA), a business development and strategic planning firm specializing in the architecture, engineering and construction industries. Ms. Compton is also the founder of Industry Speaks™, a web-based business-to-business portal that connects AEC firms with experienced consultants, provides peer reviews of consultants, reports on key industry trends, and publishes expert reviews of professional courses and books. Contact her at kcompton@a3kconsulting.com.