This document discusses the art of saying no at different stages of a project. It addresses saying no during ideation, development toward an MVP, and delivery. During ideation, it's important to clearly define scope, recognize that most ideas have some value, and focus on solving the core problem. When developing an MVP, adhering to ground rules and principles is key. And when delivering a project, it may be necessary to say no to fully completing non-essential tasks in order to launch. The overall message is that saying no is an important skill, but it should be done respectfully while maintaining enthusiasm for solving the problem.

1. Frauke Neels & Michel Van Montfort
24th May 2018
The art of saying no

2. Michel Van Montfort
Product Manager
Internal Products & Services
michel.vanmontfort@sdworx.com
LinkedIn.com/in/michel-van-montfort-5a34915

3. Frauke Neels
Product Manager
Tax & Accounting
frauke.neels@wolterskluwer.com
LinkedIn.com/in/fraukeneels

6. eArchive case
§ NL – sales department – contracts
§ LUX – Payroll consultants – mails & agreements
§ BE – legal department – laws & annotations

7. Saying no in ideation
§ Clearly define ‘Scope of work’
§ In and out of scope
§ Fall in love with the problem
§ A statement that you can’t disagree with has no value
§ Every problem is a real problem, most ideas have some value

10. Tax simulation case
§ Corporate tax calculation & declaration
§ Complete – all special cases
§ 100% accurate & compliant
§ Tax simulation
§ Timing is most important
§ Quick & simple over complete
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11. Saying no towards MVP
§ Stay in love with the problem & keep sharing enthousiasm
§ Ground rules
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13. Saying no in delivery - the lego case
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16. The end
§ Don’t forget to stop
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17. How to say no
In ideation
§ Recognize most ideas are valuable ideas, respect people and their work.
§ Realize statements one cannot disagree with have no inherent value.
In development
§ Establish and adhere to ground rules and basic principles in all stages of
development.
In delivery
§ When all else fails, remember little Tommy.
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