Putting yourself in the client's shoes.

Perspective : the capacity to view things in their true relations or relative importance

Without the capacity to truly see things from other peoples perspective execution takes longer than necessary.

What are we looking to do?

What resources do we need in order to execute the assignment?

What can we do to mitigate the potential issues that can arise in execution of said assignment?

How can we measure the progress of the assignment?

How do we close the said assignment?

How are we structuring the said assignment?

How will the assignment be rewarded or compensated?

What are the relevant milestones?

It is imperative to have a clear understanding of this before any assignment is begun.

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

When you understand the assignment typically your results will always be superior.