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🌟 QUICK WIN OF THE WEEK

Create a "Phase 2" parking lot from day one.
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The moment you get a great idea or someone suggests adding something new to a project that's already started and has a clear goal, don't say no. Say "That's a great idea for Phase 2."
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Write it down in a visible place. Acknowledge the value without derailing the current work. This simple shift prevents "just one more thing" from becoming "why are we three months behind?" After you achieve your goal and your project is complete, revisit the Phase 2 ideas.

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💬 REAL-WORLD SCENARIO

"It was just a small tweak. Then another. Now we're six weeks behind schedule and way over budget."

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Scope creep almost always shows up disguised as helpful improvements, quick additions, or "while we're at it" suggestions.
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It usually goes something like this: Someone says "Can we just add..." and you say "sure" because it sounds simple and easy. But every addition has a cost. Even small changes cause focus to shift. If the ask is something truly critical that can't go on a Phase 2 list, then take a minute to ask: "What are we willing to remove or delay to make room for this?"

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When everyone is clear on the trade-offs and priority shifts, then you can decide where the "quick addition" fits on the list of priorities.

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⚙️ MINI FRAMEWORK

The "One In, One Out" Rule for Project Changes
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Before accepting any new request, ask:

1️⃣ What's the impact? (Time, budget, resources, team energy)
2️⃣ What shifts? (What gets delayed, removed, or de-prioritized?)
3️⃣ Who decides? (Don't absorb scope changes without stakeholder buy-in)
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Scope creep happens when you absorb additions silently. Stop it by making the trade-offs clear and visible.

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🤔 QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Are you clear on your current priorities?

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⚡ WANT MORE HELP?

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See you in two weeks, Shay