登录查看更多内容

Last updated on 2024年8月13日

Here's how you can handle scope creep negotiations with your clients.

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

Scope creep can sneak up on you in the middle of a project, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and underpaid. It's that gradual expansion of a project's goals and deliverables that weren't part of the original agreement. You're not alone if you've experienced it; it's a common challenge in client relationships, especially in self-employment, consulting, or freelancing. But fear not! With the right negotiation skills, you can handle scope creep effectively and maintain a positive relationship with your clients. Let's dive into some strategies to keep your projects on track and your business thriving.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 6 条内容中精选。了解更多

1 Recognize Early

Recognizing scope creep early is crucial for maintaining control over your projects. As you work with clients, pay attention to requests that fall outside the agreed-upon deliverables. These can be subtle, like a small additional task, or more significant, such as a new feature in a software development project. By identifying these changes promptly, you can address them before they become larger issues. It's helpful to have a clear project scope documented from the start, which you can reference when additional requests come in. If you notice scope creep occurring, don't hesitate to bring it up in your next client conversation.

添加您的观点

Damon Lewis

Executive Driving Value Across The Chain | Sr Negotiator| Building Relationships that Matter | P&L Impact | Transformative Change Agent | Bringing Order To Chaos | KPIs/Performance Optimization
举报内容
It's important to recognize it early in the project. Scope creep can occur when new features or requirements are added to a project without proper assessment of the impact on time, budget, and resources. It's essential to have a clear understanding of the project scope and to continuously monitor for any changes that may lead to scope creep. By identifying and addressing scope creep early on, you can minimize its impact on the project's success.

已翻译

赞
Shreyansh S.

Associate Partner at Shree Legal Associate || Head Editor & Founder at LAWLOVELEGAL || Experienced in Commission Sales || Passionate Blogger || LLB & LLM in Constitutional & Administrative Law ||
举报内容
1. Clearly Define Scope: Start with a well-documented agreement that outlines the project scope, deliverables, and timelines to set clear expectations. 2. Identify Scope Changes Early: As soon as potential changes are identified, assess their impact on time, cost, and resources. 3. Communicate Transparently: Discuss the implications of the changes with the client, including any additional costs or extended deadlines. 4. Offer Solutions: Provide options for accommodating the changes, such as prioritizing tasks, adjusting the project timeline, or allocating additional resources. 5. Document Agreements: Ensure that any agreed-upon changes are formally documented and signed off by all parties to avoid misunderstandings and maintain clarity.

已翻译

赞
Gagandeep Singh

Principal Advisor - Energy & Industry , WSP India
举报内容
Handling scope creep effectively requires a strategic approach from the start. Begin by setting clear expectations and defining the project scope with the client. During a major LNG project, our team faced significant scope creep. We learned that managing expectations through clear communication and setting boundaries was crucial. We held regular meetings to discuss changes and their impacts, ensuring alignment with the client’s goals. Establishing a change management process upfront can help avoid misunderstandings and keep the project on track. Remember, open dialogue and a mutual understanding of objectives foster a successful partnership, even when challenges arise.

已翻译

赞

2 Set Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries is essential in preventing scope creep from derailing your projects. When discussing project terms with clients, be explicit about what is included and what isn't. This might involve creating a detailed project scope document or contract that outlines deliverables, timelines, and costs. If a client asks for additional work, refer them to the document and explain that new requests require a separate discussion about scope adjustments and additional compensation. Be firm yet professional in your communication, reinforcing your commitment to the quality and success of the project within the agreed parameters.

添加您的观点

3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is the bedrock of successful negotiations when handling scope creep. When a client requests additional work, engage in a dialogue to understand their needs while explaining the implications on the project's timeline and budget. Use language that is assertive but not confrontational, ensuring that your client feels heard and respected. It's also important to provide alternatives or compromises where possible. For example, if a feature they're requesting is out of scope, suggest a phased approach where it can be considered for a future project phase or update.

添加您的观点

Patrick J. Griffin, MBA, SPLP

Father | Partner | Founder - Fractional CFO & Executive Coach - Negotiation
举报内容
Be open-minded when the scope begins to broaden, but reinforce the exchange of value when responding. Acknowledge the request in a noncommittal way and, if it is something you'd entertain, set a condition. For example: "That's an interesting suggestion. If you provide [X] we may be able to make that work". This approach shows willingness to collaborate while maintaining the bedrock of value-exchange.

已翻译

赞

4 Negotiate Fairly

Negotiating fairly is about finding a win-win solution when discussing scope changes with clients. If additional work is requested, be prepared to discuss how this will affect project costs and deadlines. Offer a revised proposal that includes the new work, and be transparent about how this impacts the original agreement. It's important to value your time and expertise by charging appropriately for extra work. However, also consider the client's perspective and strive to maintain a good relationship by being flexible and understanding within reason.

添加您的观点

5 Document Changes

Documenting any agreed-upon changes is critical to maintaining clarity and avoiding misunderstandings. Once you've negotiated new terms with the client, update your project documentation to reflect these changes. This might include revising the project scope, schedule, and financial terms. Ensure that both you and the client sign off on these revisions. Keeping an accurate record of changes not only provides legal protection but also helps manage client expectations and ensures everyone is on the same page moving forward.

添加您的观点

6 Manage Expectations

Managing client expectations throughout the project lifecycle is key to preventing scope creep from becoming a recurring issue. Regularly communicate with your clients about project progress and any challenges that arise. Educate them about the importance of sticking to the agreed scope and the potential consequences of deviating from it. By building a relationship based on trust and transparency, you encourage clients to respect your processes and expertise. This proactive approach can lead to more successful projects and long-term client relationships.

添加您的观点

Mike Inman

B2B negotiator/trainer, ?????? crisis/hostage negotiator. ???? "Outlier" (10,000+ paid hours) ???????? F500 B2B negotiating ?????? training B2B negotiators. Ask me about the differences!
(已编辑)
举报内容
If the client asks, "Will you ___?" and the service provider says, "Sure," the client is incented to continue to ask (scope creep). A strong service provider / negotiator will say (paraphrasing), "We're NOT able to give things/value away, but we will negotiate, what can you do for us?" Then the client will ask less often - and be prepared to negotiate when they do have a legitimate ask.

已翻译

赞

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

John Dieffenbach

Executive Director at EY: Americas Commercial Excellence Leader
举报内容
If you don't show respect for your business, don't expect the other party to do it. People don't do business with you unless you have something that is of value to them. Giving things away is called "charity" and unless you're a charity, always get something when you give something. Exchanging value for value is called "business."

已翻译

赞

Negotiation

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

Here's how you can handle scope creep negotiations with your clients.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Early

2 Set Boundaries

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Negotiate Fairly

5 Document Changes

6 Manage Expectations

7 Here’s what else to consider

Negotiation

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Negotiation相关文章

更多相关阅读内容

Here's how you can handle scope creep negotiations with your clients.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Recognize Early

2 Set Boundaries

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Negotiate Fairly

5 Document Changes

6 Manage Expectations

7 Here’s what else to consider

Negotiation

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

查看其他技能