We are living in exciting times. Freelancers, virtual staffers, and working across time zones are currently organizations’ new norms. Creativity is exploding. Workers are thinking of out-of-the-box solutions. There is no longer one way to get the job done. The advantages are incredible. But, in the days of advanced technology that gives birth to greater work freedom than ever, we face a new challenge: Ambiguity.

Because face-to-face communication has taken a backseat, it can be challenging for followers to know what to expect. Amid all this advancement, leaders need to be sure their crew understands their role on the team. That’s why your organization should be creating scope of work documents.

Why is scope of work necessary?
People thrive under clearly defined boundaries. When you bring in a new team member (whether paid staff or a volunteer), you must let them know the expectations immediately. Teams perform best when everyone understands their role and focuses on delivering results related to their responsibilities. There is also a sense of safety that accompanies clearly defined limits. Boundaries are vital in any project or team, but when you add a virtual, freelance, or global layer to the mix, they become non-negotiable.

What is scope of work?
Scope of work sets expectations for both the employer and the employee. It is concrete in defining what each party is responsible for and when they must meet deadlines. Let’s break that down even further. According to NYU, a thorough scope of work should include the following items: 1. Glossary 2. Problem Statement 3. Goals of the Agreement 4. Objectives of the Agreement/Deliverables 5. Administration 6. Timeline. This document aims to bring clarity and focus right at the beginning of a new project or term. The more detailed your document, the better everyone will understand their roles.

Before you start, consider this.
When drafting a job description or scope of work document, you should remember that the purpose is to define the role without bottlenecking the results. Meaning you want to be specific enough that new members clearly understand their responsibilities. But you don’t want to create too tight a confinement where people can’t solve problems or find new ways to get the job done. Balance is critical.

Scoping work for your team.
Every leader must learn to make the most of their resources, especially when it comes to volunteers who are donating their most precious commodity – their time. Organizing people, projects, and materials to complete the job is all part of the package. Scope of work will help bring focus to the team and prepare you for a successful undertaking.

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