This Isn't a Priority

What they say

• “It's just not a priority right now”
• “We have bigger fish to fry”
• “It's on the list, way down”

What's actually underneath it

The ten questions that open it up

Ask one. Then stop talking. The answer is worth more than anything you were about to say.

1. 1.“What is receiving priority over this right now?”
2. 2.“How was that priority determined?”
3. 3.“Where does this problem sit when measured by financial impact?”
4. 4.“Who is most affected by leaving it unresolved?”
5. 5.“What would have to happen for this to move higher on the list?”
6. 6.“Could this problem interfere with the priorities you are already pursuing?”
7. 7.“Is it truly low priority, or has it simply become familiar?”
8. 8.“How long has it remained on the list without being addressed?”
9. 9.“What will the situation look like six months from now if it stays where it is?”
10. 10.“If this could be solved without distracting from your primary objective, would it deserve attention?”