To manage clients' expectations: 1. Set boundaries: Clearly define project scope and deliverables. 2. Communicate regularly: Keep clients updated on progress and limitations. 3. Negotiate priorities: Focus on high-impact requests and defer less critical ones. 4. Provide realistic timelines: Avoid overpromising to maintain trust. Balancing transparency with proactive planning ensures alignment and satisfaction.

“During a high-pressure PMO engagement, a client demanded additional deliverables midway through the project. The team was already stretched thin, and taking on more wasn’t feasible. I initiated a candid discussion with the client, focusing on their priorities. We reviewed the scope, impact, and timelines together. By aligning on what mattered most, we restructured the deliverables, adding phased milestones instead of overloading the team. The result? The client felt heard, the team stayed focused, and the project maintained its quality. Managing expectations isn’t about saying no—it’s about finding the win-win.

A tactic I use... quite often is simple really. It's "YES, AND". The key here is REALLY good communication. Ensure to give the client options. For example, client asks to add scope. You state... YES - we can do that... AND... what other 5 features will you like to REMOVE in order to add the new scope in. Or, we will need more budget / people / time etc... to add. Put the options in front of them and have them pick. There is not endless time... clients know that. Transparency is key.

It's important to set the scope of the project early on and understand what the goals are. Once we know the goals, we can set up the milestones and deadlines and prioritize the tasks that need to be done in oder to achieve our goals.

Manage client expectations by clearly communicating realistic timelines, prioritizing deliverables, and explaining team capacity. Set boundaries, offer alternative solutions, and emphasize quality over quantity to ensure achievable outcomes.