This has been a concept that has been floating around in my head for a while. It’s something I call “The Least I Could Do”. I use it as a barometer with working with new people. Here’s how it works:

Someone asks you for a favor. Often, I’ll get asked to start a new project and, often, my enthusiasm gets the better of me and I agree to do too much. This takes the project out of scope, items get missed, etc.

So, The Least I Could Do is my new mantra. What’s the smallest part of work can I take on that will move the project forward without taking on too much, skewing the project or taking on too much.

The Least I Could Do is not a lazy concept. It’s a practical, step-based approach to starting and building good relationships when working with people.