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Scope Creep — Saying No to Extra Requests

10 min
B2

What is scope creep?

Scope creep = when a project grows beyond its original plan because people keep adding "just one more thing." French professionals often say oui to everything to maintain relationships. In English project management, saying no professionally is a core skill.

Saying no without saying no

"That is a great idea — let us add it to the backlog for phase 2."
Bonne idée — ajoutons-la au backlog pour la phase 2.
Validates the idea + defers it. They feel heard without derailing the current scope.
"We can definitely look at that, but it would mean pushing the deadline by..."
On peut tout à fait envisager ça, mais ça repousserait la deadline de...
Makes the trade-off visible. They choose: this feature or this deadline.
"That is outside the current scope. Would you like me to put together a separate proposal?"
Ça sort du périmètre actuel. Souhaitez-vous que je prépare une proposition séparée ?
Clear boundary + constructive alternative. Professional and firm.
"If we add this, what should we deprioritise to stay on track?"
Si on ajoute ça, qu est-ce qu on déprioritise pour rester dans les temps ?
Forces them to make the trade-off. Your best tool against scope creep.

When to actually say yes

Not all new requests are scope creep. If the request is small, high-impact, and does not affect the deadline — just do it. "Sure, I can fit that in." Flexibility is a strength. The skill is knowing the difference between a quick win and a scope explosion.

Common mistake

French speakers often agree to everything: "Oui, pas de problème, on va gérer" → and then miss the deadline. In English PM culture, it is more professional to flag the impact upfront than to overpromise and underdeliver. "I want to make sure we hit the deadline, so let us prioritise."

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