Test a Plan With 3 Words

We’ve all been in that situation where someone in our group, could be a lunch or dinner, whatever, has this great idea. And the great idea essentially is this, if we do this, then this will happen and it’ll be great. We’ll be rich, we’ll make lots of money, we’ll be popular, we’ll go viral, whatever. And you know it’s a bad idea usually because it’s unrealistic, it isn’t well thought through, it has all sorts of nuance to it, whatever.

What are the 3 words you can use? I’ve got ‘em boys and girls.

And then what.

Because in a lot of cases someone will basically say, we can do this and this will happen, but then what? What are the next steps, what are the repercussions, what’s the payback, what’s the cost? And that’s when you find out when someone’s actually flushed it out. Do they become immediately difficult? Do they become defensive or do they say “well you know it’s complicated”.

This is where you find out if people have actually thought a plan through. This works both personally and professionally.

And then what.

3 good words you can use.