When this is the room
Discussion expanding beyond session scope
Scope Creep
The conversation keeps growing: one more stakeholder, one more system, one more thing this really ought to include. It's usually a sign people are engaged, not a sign they're derailing you. Name the boundary you set at the start, park what sits outside it where everyone can see it, and be willing to say not today.
Say this — right now
"Great thinking - that's beyond today's scope. Let's capture it for future discussion."
Word for word is fine. The room won't know.
Work the move
- 01Refer back to stated objectives
- 02Use parking lot for valid but out-of-scope ideas
- 03Ask "How does this connect to our goal today?"
- 04Be willing to say "not for today"
Still in your hand
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