You have to debate the underlying assumptions before you even begin to think about a financial expression of numbers. As a leader, you question all the way down the line whether people have thought through all the ingredients in the plan. You need to be able to identify any assumptions that might be troublesome, in case they don’t spot them. You are not saying in the back of your mind, There’s no way these guys are going to make this plan, so as to later smile and say, “I told you so.” You want to do all you can to help them make the plan.
