How to avoid scope creep

Have you ever started in a new role, only to find skeletons falling out of the closet everywhere and responsibilities increasing dramatically left, right and centre, in other words: “scope creep” setting in from Day One? And then you kick ass at fixing it all but you’re getting exactly ZERO love for it back? No one speaking about a bigger title, let alone a salary increase? 

If you have ever been in that place, you’re not alone. It’s a VERY common scenario, unfortunately.

And yet it’s often totally avoidable. 

Let me get this straight: I am not blaming you for getting in that dumpster-fire of a situation. What I AM saying, is that you could have prevented it, most often. 

You see, the mistake many people make when they are trying to get a new position, is that they spend all their efforts on convincing the other side that they are good enough for the role; that they have the right experience, that they are the right fit and will be great in the position. 

These people fail to interview the other side. As a result, they do not get a good view of what is really happening in the team, in the organisation, in the role. They don’t have a comprehensive picture of its scope.  

And let me tell you as a former HR director: the reality is NEVER what the glossy job description says… 

So in the interview process, you really must ask probing questions. You really have to interview them at a deep level. Only that way will you get a realistic view of the role’s exact level and responsibilities. Once you know that you can negotiate an appropriate title and salary for THAT and avoid the dreaded scope creep down the line. 

If you want help in learning this skill (and mindset!), don’t hesitate to get in touch. I specialise in teaching exactly how to do this.