I want to make the relatively simple point that on many occasions the concept of context for a particular question, request for a solution or recommendation can, if we are not careful – remain uncertain – when often it is the most important aspect of any such debate.

What do I mean?

Lets consider a relatively simple example. As part of a large scale implementation of an intranet solution for a very large company we might be asked ‘what would it cost to implement a procedure for submitting purchase order requests?’

The context should include analysis of the following : “Who is asking, and what authority do you have to change an existing project?” “Do you know if your request might conflict with come other stakeholder in the business?” – “What expert knowledge do you have for the correct procedure for submitting PO requests across the business?” “Do you know the scope of the intranet project?” “Do you know what departments are included or excluded as authorized participants for the intranet project?” “If some departments or stakeholders are excluded do you know what the cost would be is we allow two systems to control such a fundamental process?” “Do you know what the cost is of potential errors if we allow multiple systems to coexist?”

Possibly most importantly : “Should I include the cost of establishing if this is a valid request within the context of the established road map for this intranet project?”

These are just a few very trivial examples of what can go unanswered if the context of the question is not established.

One of the Claromentis core values is Clarity, and that means we must make sure when any client asks a question our staff are very aware of any possible misunderstandings due to the context of that question not being clear.

We have a valued reputation as a consultative intranet solution provider. That means we absolutely must be responsible for thinking about context – as the client will very often not be sensitive to this, and expect a short term answer that is valid, but from our point of view too simplistic – and therefore dangerous.

Providing we are sensitive to context all such questions are welcome, interesting and often lead to hitherto undiscovered return on investment for our client. Without Claromentis staff taking full responsibility for establishing context we might inadvertently mislead a client, which is understandable but unforgivable!

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