When not properly managed, scope creep leads to an average 20–35% increase in project costs.
You need to treat scope creep like you would out-of-scope because, if not managed correctly, it can significantly impact on your time, budget, and the happiness of your team.
Scope creep is hard to manage as scope creep is often caused by small requests containing the word "just" in those requests." 🤷🏻♂️
However, they have a compounding effect across the project's duration, and you often don't see the impact until the end, when you are running out of time with too much to do, or your budget has been burned.
Here are some tips to help 👇🏼
⏰ Name it early
Let your team and stakeholders know from the start that scope creep is normal, but it needs to be managed. Build a shared language around it. Even just saying “Let’s scope this properly” or “That feels like scope creep” helps create awareness.
📋 Use examples and a glossary
Misunderstanding is one of the biggest causes of scope creep. Build a mini glossary for your project to define terms, clarify what’s included and what’s not. And use examples to show the difference. For instance: “Adding a dashboard is in scope. Custom automation isn’t, unless we agree on extra time or cost.”
👀 Visualise your scope
Turn your scope into a simple visual (timeline, checklist, or roadmap). This will make it easier for others to point out gaps or misunderstandings before they grow, supporting clearer conversations when changes come up.
"Scope creep is what happens when 'just one more thing' becomes a dozen more things—and the project pays the price."
✋🏼 Talk in trade-offs
When someone asks for more, avoid saying "yes" or "no" right away. Instead, say, “That sounds useful. What could we remove or reduce to allow for this?” This shifts the conversation from more to what matters most. It also gives you space to protect the team’s time and the project’s success.
🐾 Track requests publicly
Keep a shared list of all scope changes or requests, even if you’re saying no to them. It builds trust, shows you’re listening, and gives you a reference when pressure builds later.
🏅 Lean on your champion
Identify and partner with someone close to the client or senior sponsor who can help manage scope expectations internally. They’re your shortcut to smoother conversations.
Bonus tip 🏆
Don't react to scope creep; prepare for it. Whether that's through communication and education or how you'll respond to when it happens, be ready.
I hope you find these tips helpful.
Have a great week 💪🏼
Ben.
