The Difference Between a Task, a Deliverable, and a Business Outcome.
Three words teams use interchangeably, and three things that need different conversations.
A task is something a person does. A deliverable is something the business receives. An outcome is something that changes in the business as a result.
Why the confusion is expensive
When tasks are reported as outcomes, leadership thinks the work is done. When deliverables are reported as tasks, the team looks slow. Both happen in the same status meeting, often in the same sentence.
"It is almost done" is usually a task statement masquerading as an outcome statement.
A discipline that helps
- Tasks go in the team's tool.
- Deliverables go on the project plan.
- Outcomes go on the operating dashboard.
If a piece of work cannot find a home in any of the three, it probably should not exist.
Written by Kristóf Frey
Kristóf Frey works with teams on delivery rescue, Product Ownership, business analysis, and practical digital operations. He writes about making work visible enough to manage.
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