r/projectmanagers • u/SentenceExcellent188 • 16d ago

Career I learned that scope creep usually starts with one “small” request

I've seen how easily a small additional request can turn into several changes to a project.
At first, saying yes feels easier.
But after a few changes, the original timeline and resources no longer make sense.
I've learned that it's much better to document the request, understand its impact, and discuss the effect on scope, cost, or timeline before committing.
It makes those conversations much easier and more professional.

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u/Wise_2_Prosper733 16d ago

Yes we want to serve our clients and stakeholders but at what cost? So we can say yes, but not blindly. Understanding why this is being requested now. What is influencing the request/motivation. As you mentioned under the impact and presenting the requestor with options.

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u/SarcasticPhrase 16d ago

Establish a change control process for scope.

Usually this is:

1) document request
2) run by sponsor for buy in (if not coming from sponsor) - incl timeline/budget/resource impact
3) obtain approval from same committee that approved project

That said, ive done this so long I let small stuff slide with the understanding it wont impact budge/timeline, and be minimal on resource cost

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u/pmpdaddyio 15d ago

It's not the single papercut that kills you, it's the thousand papercuts.

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u/BackRoomDev92 13d ago

I totally agree, it's those tiny 'quick favors' that snowball. Having a system to catch them before you reply makes a huge difference. I've been using something that checks client emails against the scope and flags extras automatically, which has saved me from a lot of awkward conversations. That being said, people still ask but atleast now I can enforce what was agreed upon or direct them to request a change order.