The concept of scope can be confusing. Everyone is talking about it, but no one really knows what it means. Let’s clear the air.

What is Scope?

Scope is simply the area that you’ve been given permission to work in. The closer you stay to the borders of your scope, the more you will achieve. When you stray beyond the scope, you’re risking getting in trouble or making things worse. But don’t fret, the farther you go, the greater your rewards will be. Sometimes the solution is just outside your comfort zone.

An Example

Suppose that you’ve been given access to a certain project, but you’re not sure of the details. You ask your supervisor for help, and he give you a vague answer. Worried that you might mess something up, you begin to question whether or not you should be working on this project at all. Instead of obsessing over the possible consequences, you could always ask for more information. If you do, then you’ll know for sure whether or not you’re authorized to work on this particular project. In this scenario, you have expanded your scope without even knowing it.

Key Takeaways

It’s important to note that whenever you stray beyond the scope of your responsibilities, you’re placing yourself in a situation that isn’t under your control. Essentially, you’re taking a chance. Lots of things can go wrong, and it’s not always easy to go back once you’ve left the safety of your scope. If you feel that your safety is at risk, then it might be a good idea to ask for clarification on the objectives of the project. Just be wary of asking too many questions, as this could potentially place you in a more vulnerable position. A good rule of thumb is to always ask for more information whenever you’re unsure about something. Even better, if you don’t know something then it probably isn’t your responsibility. We all like to feel like we’re needed, but sometimes we’re not certain of the details about a project. If you think that you might be overstepping your boundaries, then it’s your job to ask for clarification. Just be careful not to overstep, as this could place you in a very dangerous situation. If you stay within your scope, then you’re guaranteeing that you’ll have a job when you need it and that your work will be appreciated. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you did your best within your capabilities.