Have you felt like a task just keeps getting drug on forever? Like, there’s no real end goal or result that you’re trying to achieve? How about a task that just keeps getting bigger and more complex? You could be dealing with problems from project managers, call scope creep!
Lets look at scope creep
The Project Management Institute describes scope creep as increasing the level of functionality, features, or size of a project without formally addressing the financial or resource cost or without approval from stakeholders.
That means your projects are…
- Over timeline and delivered late
- Over featured for what the customer wants
- Over budget
Here’s some tips that can help you prevent scope creek and make progress again!
The project charter
Project charters help clearly define the needed outcomes of any project or complex task. Many include details such as how projects fit into overall business plans and the project budgets. A major aspect of the charter is that its designed to be completed by all the stakeholders and agreed upon early in the process. Anything extra that might get added later has to be agreed on by all the stakeholders and added into the charter before its started. While it can be tedious, it does keep projects from getting larger without permission.
Clarity in leadership and vision
Clarity is key to making progress, especially when we have to direct work. Scope creep can happen when misunderstandings cause extra work. Either adding in extra steps, needing extra equipment and time, or something as simple as having to redo work. While you may have a clear understanding of the charter or desired end goal, have you clearly explained that to those you’re leading? You need clarity on the project, and so do those whom you lead!
Asking better questions for results
Sometimes, scope creep is from misaligned ideas of what the customer wants. A multi-utensil with a fork and knife, and spoon all in one is great, but is overkill for someone looking for a knife to cut their sandwich in half. The customer might be a co-worker, a customer, or someone you’re leading. What is it they really need? Are the features you’re working on what they need? Prevent scope creep by eliminating the things that aren’t required.
