Why "Proof in Pudding" Evaluations Work

Proof in Pudding means that what is expected actually happens. In our lives, among our friends, co-workers, etc... we hear lots of things that range from what people want to do to what they have done. While I may pay attention to what people say they are going to do, hopes, dreams and goals it is what they actually do that counts. This is a management tip for those who deciding on everyday business things such as fulfilment of contracts, promoting someone into management, investing, or making a choice over options. 

Sometimes we may call "proof in pudding" actualized outcomes. We can talk all day about what we are going to do and that may be helpful in gaining a sense of direction. However, what we actually do is more important than all the flowery words of hope we can muster.

For example, someone says they are going to take their business and make it the leading business in their field. That is great! Now you have the responsibility to ask them how they are going to do it and what their plan is? Let them outlay their plans.

If they have a reasonable plan and it has a level of probability in working then we can say that the words have merit in producing an actual outcome. However, if the plan isn't so great and leads large unfeasible gaps then we have only conjecture. Pay attention to the details. 

If its your business (hiring a manager, promotion, etc.) and/or you are going to invest in a business you want to see a track record of realized successes. If the situation is unique, one would like to look at the plan and see if it matches the resources and abilities of the organization based on current market conditions. 

Any plan in action would need to have realized artifacts of being enacted. There should be changes, adjustments, realized behaviors that indicate a plan in motion. Without that it is still on the talk and would of, could of, and should of stages.

Proof in pudding means that we cannot say something has been done until it is realized activity. We can talk all day about what we believe, how we are going to be, what we are going to accomplish, how big our business will be, etc... but at the end of the day is the actualized activity and outcomes that make the difference. The next time someone says, "I'm going to do this and accomplish that and take your business here" you should remind yourself that "proof is in the pudding".