What do you do if your medical sales project scope is expanding beyond control?

1 Define your project scope clearly

The first step to avoid scope creep is to define your project scope clearly and document it in a scope statement or a project charter. This should include the project objectives, deliverables, assumptions, constraints, risks, and success criteria. It should also specify the roles and responsibilities of the project team, the customer, and any other stakeholders. You should review and agree on the scope statement with your customer and get their formal approval before starting the project.

2 Communicate your project scope effectively

The second step to avoid scope creep is to communicate your project scope effectively to all the parties involved in the project. You should use various channels and methods to share the scope statement, such as meetings, emails, reports, presentations, and dashboards. You should also update the scope statement regularly and inform the stakeholders of any changes or issues. Communication is key to ensure that everyone is on the same page and has the same expectations.

3 Control your project scope rigorously

The third step to avoid scope creep is to control your project scope rigorously throughout the project lifecycle. You should establish a change management process that defines how to handle and approve any requests for changes to the project scope. You should also monitor and measure the project performance and progress against the scope statement and the project plan. You should identify and resolve any deviations or variances as soon as possible. You should also document and track any changes or issues that affect the project scope.

4 Manage your customer expectations realistically

The fourth step to avoid scope creep is to manage your customer expectations realistically and proactively. You should understand your customer's needs, preferences, and pain points and align them with your project scope and deliverables. You should also educate your customer about the project scope, the benefits and limitations, and the trade-offs involved. You should also set clear and realistic expectations about the project timeline, budget, quality, and risks. You should also seek feedback and input from your customer regularly and address any concerns or questions.

5 Negotiate your project scope diplomatically

The fifth step to avoid scope creep is to negotiate your project scope diplomatically and strategically. You should acknowledge and respect your customer's requests for changes, but also evaluate their impact and feasibility. You should also consider the value and benefits of the changes for both parties and the alignment with the project objectives and success criteria. You should also propose alternatives or options that can meet your customer's needs without compromising the project scope. You should also leverage your relationship and trust with your customer to reach a win-win solution.

6 Review your project scope periodically

The sixth step to avoid scope creep is to review your project scope periodically and learn from your experience. You should conduct regular reviews and evaluations of the project scope, the project performance, and the customer satisfaction. You should also collect and analyze feedback and data from the project team, the customer, and any other stakeholders. You should also identify and document the lessons learned, the best practices, and the areas for improvement. You should also apply and share your learning to your future medical sales projects.

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?