Do You Understand the Assignment?

I've learned there are a few key tricks that can help when managing projects and tasks where you rely on other people to complete the work. Sometimes people get stuck and occasionally don't say anything until they are really stuck. A few key phrases I've found to be helpful are:

• Do you understand the assignment?
• Do you have what you need to get the job done?
• Do you agree to the schedule?
• Are you unable to complete the assignment? (only for rare occasions, don't use it to give people an easy out)

These are merely discussion points to help both sides understand the situation.