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According to the Oxford Dictionary, “Scope” as a noun refers to the extent of the area of subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant. As a verb, it means to assess or investigate something.
The Importance of Knowing Your Scope
How many times have you started a task or project without knowing what is expected of you? It’s like planning a journey to nowhere.
Before embarking on any journey, whether business or personal, it is crucial to know your ‘Scope’ as it will enable you to navigate towards the right path/direction. When driving, if your destination is known, you can enter the details into your Satellite Navigation system and have a smooth journey as you know where you are going. However, without a clear end destination, you will not know what to enter into your Satellite Navigation System and will be driving aimlessly.
Setting Clear Goals
Would you start your fitness journey without having a clearly defined goal? Then, why start any task, business or personal without knowing the scope? Know your “why”, the purpose, the expected outputs and benefits you are working towards. Knowing all this will enable you to achieve what you are aiming for.
Articulating Scope in Business
In a business environment, articulate to your stakeholder the importance of a defined and specific scope. This will create parameters within which you can deliver, clearly highlighting all the tools and techniques required for successful delivery.
As Simon Sinek wisely said, “If we want to feel an undying passion for our work, if we want to feel we are contributing to something bigger than ourselves, we all need to know our WHY.”
If this isn’t defined clearly, you are at risk of an uninvited, uncontrolled guest known as scope creep.
Who is the Uninvited Guest “Scope Creep”?
Scope creep, the uninvited guest, is a phenomenon that keeps on giving with no end in sight. It’s like trying to fill a bucket with water, only to find there’s a hole at the bottom. No matter how much you add, more keeps leaking out, leading to chaos and challenges.
By having a clearly defined scope, we can avoid scope creep. However, when scope creep is necessary for success, we can add it in a controlled, evaluated and monitored manner.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding and defining Scope is crucial for the success of any task, whether personal or professional. By setting clear specific goals and articulating them effectively to all involved, you can navigate the journey with purpose and avoid the pitfalls of scope creep. Remember, a well-defined scope not only guides you but also ensures that your efforts align with your objectives, leading to successful outcomes and satisfied stakeholders. So, next time you are asked to start something without a clear scope, don’t hesitate to challenge it.
