Unconventional Tool Usage: Our 30-Day LinkedIn Challenge

Following the footsteps of some folks I admire, I’m kicking off a 30-day LinkedIn challenge to boost my daily posting and engagement with this amazing community!

As Strategic Stacey is all about empowering others with practical knowledge, each day I’ll share how I’ve uniquely leveraged a consulting tool in my career or personal life.

Today’s Insight: Let’s talk about Statements of Work (SOWs). While not a contract, an SOW outlines scope and delivery terms. And though it’s not a project plan, it includes crucial details like timelines and expectations. Navigating this can be tricky, and I’ve found its specificity can sometimes be mistaken for legal jargon—when all I want is to be taken seriously!

Full disclosure: I’m not a lawyer, but I’m incredibly detail-oriented. When issues arise, I dig into what went wrong. If I realize my own request was vague, I take accountability and move on. It’s about mutual learning.

However, when a vendor truly misses the mark and tries to sidestep accountability, those SOW skills become invaluable. I meticulously document the agreed-upon scope versus the actual delivery.

(Project professionals: Sometimes, effective risk escalation language is key here.)

This strategy has consistently helped me negotiate resolutions without endless debates over cost or schedule. It’s an effort that pays off, mirroring how we’d handle professional project delivery gaps.

If you’re unfamiliar with Statements of Work, tell me in the comments! I’d love to consider adding it to our community library and always credit suggestions!”