What are the steps that we can take to avoid scope creep?
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In our previous episode we talked about stories of scope creep, and in every single case, I had a comparable story to match.
“There is a pattern with scope creep… it happens to the strongest, the most experienced [people]. It really doesn’t discriminate.”
Scope creep rips away the good parts of being a service provider.
If you are ready to escape the plague of scope creep, join us for a 5 day adventure. Learn how to avoid scope creep, communicate ahead of time, and also establish a key process for when scope creep emerges.
Today we are continuing our stories from Episode 161, where we shared that scope creep is caused by changes that come up after you have begun a project. There are some specific things you can do to prevent this, which I will share in our upcoming training. But today, there is one key action item that you can do to avoid scope creep: defining your values.
Defining your values
Defining your values is the foundation of our work at The Ops Authority. In each of the examples I shared last week one simple question kept coming up for me: Why did I work with this person anyway?
The training today has the power to change the result of that question and that feeling. It is the ultimate foundation to lay before going into a business relationship.
“How many times have you walked into client relationships that you knew weren’t a good fit?”
How do you define values?
Values are the characteristics that you cling to. They define who you are, they make you unique and they are the things that you stand for. You already have them; they came wired within you. You are not going to create values; you just need to identify the ones you already have. They are part of who you are.
Our key action today is to slow down enough so you can reflect and capture those values you already have.
“Most of us never take the time to look inward… and document what those values are.”
Action Items
1. What makes you unique?
What kind of person are you? What are the values that you would assign yourself?
2. What do you think others say about you?
What do people say about your character? How do they define you? This is your perception of what others would say about you.
3. How would others describe you?
Reach out to a few people. They can be professional or personal connections. Ask them “How would you describe me?” Let them know that you are trying to figure out your values.
4. What are the characteristics of someone you never want to work with again?
Think about the things that repulse you. Think about the things that would make you not want to work with someone. Think about a client relationship that went sour, and why. What is the real reason you finally broke up with a client?
“Every ‘break up’ comes back to a value being violated.”
The most important thing to gain from these four actions is to find the values that represent you. From here, you will have the power to be very clear as you move forward with a business relationship.
Make sure you document these values so you can go back to them in case you do need to have a hard conversation.
Our Values
I want to share some of the values of The Ops Authority, to demonstrate that we also do the work that we teach:
- Leading with legacy: our greatest works are inside of our homes and that defines our true success
- Come with curiosity: we love questions because they are the root of innovation
- Candor with kindness, always: leadership begins with candor
- Impact over fame: we prefer wide circles with big ripples over deep pockets
- Assume positive intent: we believe most people are good and choose to do good
- Action creates confidence: if you take action, it flexes your muscles and creates confidence
“Action creates confidence and confidence creates cash.”
Don’t forget to sign up today for our upcoming 5 day adventure beginning on August 29th!
Weekly Ops Activity
Complete this exercise, reflect and document what your values are. Then come on over to the Facebook group and share 3 of your values.
Previous Episodes Mentioned
Episode 161: Stories of Scope Creep
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