Laying the Groundwork: Breakfast & Specifications

Contributed by David Bishton

Breakfast? With a specifier? You may wonder about the wisdom of such an engagement, but it is a unique experience. It occurred to me today that there are some uncanny similarities between project specification preparation and the simple (or complex) task of preparing breakfast. In this case, breakfast for a crowd.

The first thing to know is that the Specifier comes to YOUR house, either in person or virtually or both, to help YOU plan and make the breakfast. So wait, I can hear you say, the SPECIFIER DOES NOT DO ALL THE WORK? In case you hadn’t noticed I use capital letters for emphasis – I learned it from this really smart 5th grade (I assume) kid I found on Twitter. Anyway, the answer is no, but the Specifier can be your most able assistant.

So how does it work? The first thing I as a Specifier want to know is more about what’s on the menu – what did you have in mind to serve this big crowd that you’ve invited over? Oh, it’s a pot luck! You have the main course and everyone is bringing something to the table. So how can I help – what’s in the fridge?

I open the refrigerator door and what to my wondering eyes should appear? A miniature sleigh – wait, that’s from another story – a really large tray of the most beautiful eggs I’ve ever seen. And every nook and cranny stuffed with marked and unmarked containers of every size and shape. You are REALLY PROUD of those eggs! So how can I help? I can chop onions, garlic, veggies, make sausage, prepare a fruit salad, get all the herbs lined up, make toast, help set the table – I’ll even go to the store if you need something. Just tell me what you need. “First, look through this 150 page recipe and find the ingredients. Then figure out what’s in all these containers. I might be missing some things.”

OK, but funny you don’t already know…anyway, here goes. The first one is empty – what’s this for? “Oh, I’m getting ready to put something in it. I’ll let you know.” The next one smells a bit suspect – might be leftovers from another meal. In the recipe there seem to be the same ingredients called by different names. This container looks like a fresh and tasty ingredient that I KNOW is on your list. When I’m done preparing it, I set it aside and move on. And how’s the big event plan coming along? “Oh, look how I’ve rearranged these eggs in the tray to make them look even better! And more functional.” OK, let’s keep going. More empty containers, more leftovers from other meals, some with great looking ingredients that are just past their expiration date. But it’s coming together. I really like the exploration and shopping and study and prep work. Times goes fast.

Are we getting closer to cooking time? It’s going to be so good! I think we can get it together just in time for everyone to arrive. “Hey, I’ve managed to find ANOTHER new arrangement for the eggs. The group is going to have to make a decision, though. But it Is less expensive.” And seeing the counter full of prepared ingredients, “Oh, one of the guests decided to bring a different side dish than they told me, so we won’t need that.” And “That ingredient was just a placeholder. I decided to tweak the recipe and we’re not using that one anymore.” And “Didn’t I give this other list to you? We’re still missing some very important ingredients.”

Yes, yes, but they’ll be here any minute, won’t they? I’m here just to help you make this breakfast perfect! Shall I set the table?

“We decided to postpone breakfast until next week. We’re not ready.”

A delicious potluck breakfast with the help of your friendly neighborhood Specifier benefits from:
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• Timely decision making
• Up-to-date and consistent recipe information
• Full and current containers with the right ingredients
• No leftovers from other meals
• Establishing an end date to rearranging the eggs

We can do this.