Manage expectations

When expectations aren’t managed properly, projects can face misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and disappointment from stakeholders. For example, teams may overpromise, leading to rushed work, or misunderstand scope changes, causing delays.

To avoid these mishaps, consider these tips for managing expectations:

• Share project goals, limitations, and timelines upfront so everyone knows what’s achievable.
• Aim for objectives that align with resources, preventing overcommitment and last-minute stress.
• Keep stakeholders informed of progress, any changes, or potential delays to maintain transparency.
• Ensure each person knows their specific contributions, reducing confusion and boosting accountability.
• Avoid scope creep (unplanned additions to the project scope) that could throw off the timeline or reduce quality. If it’s unavoidable, discuss and plan the time and resources needed for the new additions before agreeing to implement them.