The Outsider Advantage

When working on a big project, experts and key stakeholders are often deeply invested in the outcome. They bring their experience, knowledge, and passion to the table, which is invaluable. However, this can also create blind spots. Ironically, those who are less invested or less specialized in the field often spot risks and problems more quickly. Why is that?

A Fresh Pair of Eyes

Experts tend to have an established way of thinking. While this expertise enables them to dive deeply into intricate details, it may also narrow their focus. They might miss problems that fall outside their routine scope. On the other hand, someone who's new or not deeply embedded in the process looks at the project with fresh, unbiased eyes. They see the forest, not just the trees.

No Emotional Attachment

When you're heavily invested in a project's success, it's easy to overlook minor issues in favour of keeping things on track. The emotional weight of wanting a project to succeed can cause us to unconsciously downplay potential risks. Outsiders, with no emotional ties to the outcome, are more likely to call out concerns objectively.

Different Perspectives, New Solutions

Outsiders also bring diverse perspectives, especially if they're not experts in the topic at hand. They might ask questions that seem simple or naïve but reveal overlooked assumptions. These outside observations can be the key to catching risks before they become problems.

Avoiding the Echo Chamber

When a team is tightly knit and full of experts, it's easy to fall into an echo chamber where everyone thinks alike. Introducing fresh perspectives—whether through feedback from an unrelated department or a consultant—can help challenge assumptions and encourage creative problem-solving.

In big projects, we often overlook the value of those who aren't experts or deeply invested. Yet, these people can precisely highlight risks and help steer projects toward success.