Describe the added work and identify which current commitment it affects. Estimate the steps from comparable tasks, then ask which outcome takes priority if both cannot fit. Confirm a revised scope or date before treating the request as part of the existing agreement.
A project is nearly finished when someone asks for another section. The addition sounds useful. It also needs research, writing and review, none of which were included in the agreed deadline. Calling it a quick change hides the work involved.
Describe the extra work in ordinary terms. Estimate it from similar tasks where possible and identify the current commitment it would affect. Ask which outcome matters most if both cannot fit the available time.
Confirm the revised agreement
You might offer to add the section next week or replace a less important piece already planned. The person making the decision needs to see the options and their consequences. Avoid accepting every option while hoping the time will appear.
Record the chosen change beside the deadline. If more requests follow, repeat the scope check using the updated plan. This can feel slow in the moment, but it gives everyone a shared account of what will be delivered and when they can expect it.
A new section near the finish
An illustrative exampleImagine preparing a guide due at the end of the week. A request arrives for another section requiring research and review. List those steps and compare them with the remaining editing work. You might offer the new section later or replace an optional section already planned. Explain what each option means for the delivery. The person responsible for the result can choose using that information. Record the chosen version beside the deadline and tell any reviewer whose work changes. If another request follows, compare it with the updated plan. The new section can be worthwhile while still needing time that the original agreement did not contain.
Check the effect of an addition
Tick the steps as you work through them.
0 of 5 steps checked
When the request sounds too small to discuss
A short description can conceal preparation or a new approval step. Ask what finished means before judging its size. For a genuinely tiny correction, explain the timing and complete it within available capacity. For a change that affects another promise, show that effect even if the request is called quick. Avoid agreeing to several alternatives at once. If you cannot decide the priority yourself, bring the conflict to the person who can, with a concise account of the work and deadline involved.
Record a scope change
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