By Alvin E. Terry, MBA
Business Consultant, Dynamic Business Builders
“Scope Drift” is a term that I was introduced to while working on a Doctorate in Business in Entrepreneurship. My professor emphasized many times that while you are in this Doctoral program, do not develop “Scope Drift.” This was a new concept to me. I learned how it was important to me and how it pertained to what I was doing.
Understanding what “Scope Drift” is and just how it controls your life can be an eye opening experience. We have all read books, business articles, and newspaper columns on time management. We have all attended countless seminars; some were free and some cost hundreds of dollars with time consuming systems and mind altering maneuvers to either preprogram or trick you into thinking differently by using that magic system.
The truth is, no one can control time. But, you can manage how you allocate your time on the most important things that matter to you, your business and your customers.
The pursuit of being successful in business is a job in itself. There are many moving parts that are dynamic and constantly changing. Separating all of the components into their respective compartments, delegating activities to others and monitoring their activities require a lot of effort. If we have been fortunate in hiring the right individuals who will embrace our vision, mission and corporate culture, we can have an advantage over the competition.
Whether you are a one man/woman shop doing it all or a CEO overseeing many operational departments, one thing is sure, you have encountered “Scope Drift.” It is a natural phenomenon. We all face it in our daily lives.
In our present day world of comings and goings we are bombarded with noise, clutter, news, the internet, traffic, inept employees and customers with concerns. That does not include family, politics, traffic, commuting and road rage. It all adds up and creeps into our business focus and dilutes our main purpose of trying to run a successful business.
It distracts your focus, takes you off your game plan, and dilutes your bottom line. It is a silent thief if not recognized daily that can wreak havoc and create confusion and doubt. People in your sphere of influence may give you false or erroneous information that can cause you to make unclear decisions, too. Some other contributors to “Scope Drift” are multitasking, day dreaming, marriage, children and anything else that I might have missed.
As you filter through all of the mazes above, staying true to your vision and mission can help in eliminating “Scope Drift.” Eliminating or minimizing any unnecessary activity or activities can assist in this process. “Scope Drift” has always and will always be a time waster.
Having a “Plan B” aligned with your primary goals can help you achieve those goals. The key is to keep making progress on a consistent and daily basis. Always take the time for a quiet moment to reflect and assess where you are on your mission and on your business plan time line. Remember, your business and marketing plans are there to guide you; they are your road map to success.
I reflect constantly on the many experiences that have brought me joy and those businesses experiences that have brought me pain. We are all vulnerable at some point in our business careers. In the end, it can all balance out. This is called life and we cannot control it. The most important thing is to acknowledge those experiences, learn from them, and review what led up to the outcomes. When identifying the next target of accomplishments in your sights, you can approach it with renewed insight to better control the outcome in your favor. Do not be overwhelmed with the activity, but be consumed with overcoming the moment with a victory.
We all have different approaches as individuals to business and personal situations, but in the end, the result of winning is what we all want to accomplish. Accomplishing that goal with integrity and resolve will lead to inspiration to go further. Obtaining that personal education through experiences makes us grow and evolve into who we are as individuals. Keep your focus, stay grounded, avoid “Scope Drift” and you will be able to achieve your excellence.
If you would like to contact me concerning Business or Real Estate, I may be reached at [email protected] or Cell 713-392-9107
