Benefits of a self-assessment....

• Head's up: Don't be surprised by questions and challenges raised by clients and auditors. Stay a step ahead of them by knowing the problems before (and better than) they do. This gives you a chance to prepare your responses, or (better yet) to fix the problems before you're challenged.

• Disarm: Nothing is as effective in defusing an attack as being honest and open, and admitting your own weaknesses. This builds trust, and generally buys you time to fix any problems.

• Validation: An outside expert noting what you've done right is a stamp of approval that builds confidence and trust, and fends off ill-founded criticism.

• Choose your timing: If you haven't yet released your cost model, you may have time to decide whether to proceed with the release or hold off a bit and fix any remaining problems.

• Plan your next steps: If you have released your cost model, an objective assessment may help determine your strategy for next steps, and justify an investment in taking your cost model to the next level.