MOVE 41 · SCOPE CONTROL · PRO
Swap, Don't Stack
When a client wants something added within the same budget or deadline, ask what should come out to make room.
Fixed time and money mean every addition is also a subtraction.
Low riskClient scopeLeadership alignmentProtect valueNegotiate terms
WHY IT WORKS
Clients and managers often believe capacity is elastic. Asking 'what should we drop?' makes the trade-off visible and puts the prioritisation decision with the person who owns the budget, rather than leaving you to absorb it through overtime.
WHEN TO USE IT
- Budget and deadline are fixed but requests keep growing.
- A manager adds priorities without removing any.
WHEN NOT TO USE IT
- There is genuine slack and the addition is easy to absorb.
- Asking would seem petty given the size of the request.
SIGNALS IT FITS
- Your task list grows but deadlines do not move.
- Everything is labelled 'top priority'.
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Execution guidance is included with Pro.
One moment.
Included with Pro
ETHICAL BOUNDARY
Present the trade-off honestly, without exaggerating the effort of the new request to avoid it.
RELATED MOVES
Content version 1 · Drafted by Power Move IQ Editorial · Not yet human-reviewed · Educational decision support, not legal, financial or employment advice.