How to NOT Suffer from Scope Creep

Have you ever looked at your to-do list and felt completely overwhelmed? Like, how did it get to this point kind of overwhelmed?

As service providers, we want to be of service. We want to help our clients. And when a project starts to grow (or implode), we’re so close to it that we pick up the pieces. So we add things to our list and take on parts of the project that aren’t exactly in our area of expertise. But we know how to do them and it’s “easy” to do them “really quick.”

When we do this, it starts to feel normal to do those “easy” tasks “really quick” because we’ve done them before. Then that becomes the expectation.?

Pretty soon we’re so far outside the original scope of the project, either because we’re doing the extra work ourselves or managing others who are taking on these extra tasks.

This is scope creep. It’s frustrating and time-consuming. And it’s completely avoidable.

What is Scope Creep?

Scope creep happens when a project or client relationship shifts and grows outside of what you originally agreed upon. It usually happens because of a lack of communication or a project changes without taking a close look at roles and responsibilities and how those are shifting inside the project.

The Impact of Scope Creep

It’s natural to want to jump in and help when a project changes. But doing so is holding you back from doing your best work. Living and working inside scope creep can breed resentment for the work and the client and it takes up time and energy you’d normally spend with another client, with your family, or even taking care of yourself.

Avoiding Scope Creep

You don’t have to sit in scope creep forever. Here are some ways you can avoid it in the first place.

1. Before you get into a project or client relationship, ask yourself if that client is good for you. Do you share values? Have you shared your boundaries??
2. Communicate your expectations. You need to be personally clear on them before you can communicate them effectively.
3. Understand the requirements of the project before sending the contract.
4. Know what triggers to look for when it comes to scope creep. Understand your patterns, and know how to have the conversation when you see it coming.?

I have a five-part series on identifying and eradicating scope creep. You can start reading that series here .

Or listen in to this week’s podcast about dealing with scope creep.

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