The first favor is when you ask a friend or colleague
to do something for you.The second favor is when you ask them
to do it precisely the way you would do it.They’re not related. And the second one costs more.
– Seth’s Blog
A contract does not define favours: It defines obligations. But Seth’s point holds even in extrapolation: Requiring a (sub)contractor to do work in precisely the way you would do it costs more. A lot more.
If you’re doing it because you need the contractor to fit into your organization and work alongside hordes of people all doing the work precisely your way, without any bumps, well, OK. Maybe. But this sounds more like an employee than a contractor. Just sayin’. An extraordinary employee at that. And an extraordinary organization.
If you’re doing it because you can’t define what deliverables you want, what outcomes you need, then think again. Yes you can.
And it will cost less.
It’s also the cause of countless household arguments. Joan used to feel that I had to use her utensils and supplies exactly the way she used them. I said it didn’t matter, as long as the omelette came out right.
Jim T
Jim – 🙂 I try only to insist on the utensils going back into the right drawer . . . When I reach unsuccessfully for something, I don’t want to have to check every other kitchen drawer for it.