The phrase directs attention to the practice of evaluating the breadth and scope of an undertaking before its commencement. It emphasizes the need to assess the total effort, resources, and potential challenges involved in achieving a desired outcome. As an instance, instead of immediately developing a single software feature, one might first contemplate the development of the entire application suite to understand dependencies and avoid future rework.
Understanding the complete picture facilitates more accurate planning, resource allocation, and risk mitigation. It can lead to greater efficiency by identifying potential synergies between different aspects of the project. Historically, a failure to appreciate the comprehensive nature of a project has often resulted in budget overruns, missed deadlines, and compromised quality. A holistic perspective also enables better prioritization and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
