Dependencies

Developing a project plan is a process of defining the milestones and associated dates then detailing the tasks that have to occur to complete the milestone.  Dependencies are underlying tasks, typically linked together, necessary to complete the milestone task.    Above ceiling, electrical and mechanical work should occur prior to ceiling grid and tile installation; otherwise, the grid and tile will be damaged.  Carpet installation needs to occur prior to furniture installation.

We depend on the chef at a restaurant to prepare our food.  The chef depends on the distributor to bring the ingredients for the meal. The distributor depends on the farmers to grow the vegetables and livestock for the meal. The farmer depends on the weather to provide the right environment to produce vegetables and livestock. The farmer and distributor depend on truck drivers to deliver the products.

Dependencies happen in all parts of life.  None of us can do everything on our own.  We all have dependencies where we need help to accomplish certain things.  We may not have the skill set to complete certain tasks or may have some limitation that prohibits us from doing a certain thing ourselves.

Dependencies are good things in my opinion.  It means knowing what I can and cannot do and allowing others to help me.  It gets back to the fundamental need we all have of desiring to be wanted and needed.  Asking for help accomplishes that very thing.  It allows someone else to share their talents and skills with me.  Sharing knowledge and time is a good thing, as both parties grow from the experience.