Lesson 43 — Watch out for scope creep

Have you ever noticed how DIY is never as simple as it first appears? Before you know it, you’ve redecorated a room, moved into the hallway and re-carpeted the whole house. Where was that in the budget!

Scope creep can be a positive force when it allows you to pursue Excellence, within cost and time constraints. However, scope creep can be a negative force when it allows distraction and diminishing returns.

And that’s the crux. Are you aware of scope creep? (Think unconscious incompetence versus conscious competence.)

If you’re a task-focused individual or work in an organisation that’s tightly bound by rules and procedures, then scope creep is culturally avoided. However, you should watch out for dismissing scope creep—when it’s clearly for the better.

If you’re an ideas person or work in a team that doesn’t like to say no, then beware of scope creep that’s non-value adding.

When working on projects, it’s always worth checking the original scope or briefing document. A good manager will keep scope this under tight control—and version control.

Stick to the process. What are you trying to achieve? Focus on key result areas. Keep the main thing the main thing.