"Good fences make good neighbors," and setting boundaries with a client pushing for changes requires clarity and diplomacy. Start by revisiting the agreed scope and explaining how additional changes impact timelines, costs, or resources. In my experience, offering a structured change management process—such as formal change requests—provides a professional framework for evaluating new asks. Focus on aligning changes with the project’s goals, and propose alternatives if possible. A common mistake is outright refusal, which can strain relationships; instead, balance flexibility with firm boundaries to protect the project while maintaining client trust and satisfaction.

Pushing the boundaries is not necessarily wrong; this is actually how we grow, learn and achieve new heights. The key is to do it in an orderly manner, prioritising the milestones of the project with the highest business impact. Another thing to review is who is asking for those changes. In my experience, when working with customers, you have different stakeholders, and it is not uncommon to see low-level managers or individuals requesting changes for their own benefit that do not align with the bigger goals of the customer. Cross-check requested changes with the executive buyer when those changes impact the project (deliverables, business impact, timelines, etc...)

To set boundaries with a client, start by having an open and respectful conversation about the scope of the project. Remind them of the agreed-upon timeline and deliverables, explaining that constant changes can affect the quality and deadline. Offer a solution, like charging for additional revisions or setting a limit for changes at each stage. Be firm but diplomatic, emphasizing the importance of staying on track to meet their goals. Provide a clear process for how future changes will be handled to prevent misunderstandings. Finally, stay flexible where possible, but always keep the project’s best interests in mind.

My approach is to have long conversations and knowledge sharing to recognise what we have now and what the clients want/need to have. The step offers an open view of the situation and provides possible solutions. The source step is to start implementing agreed-upon changes. Not all changes are handy or help us, but this step could be opened by replacing changes or testing them first.

One thing I have found super helpful is go back to the original agreement on what you agreed on, stick to those terms. And do only what’s within your scope of delivery. If you are getting uncomfortable by your clients request, set boundaries and ask them to pay extra if they need those services & watch them run away! Lol 😂 “Clients from Hell” are everywhere so from the beginning of the relationship if you don’t feel good working with them in the initial stage, my recommendation is don’t 😉 Find better clients to work with!

To set boundaries while maintaining project health, start by anchoring discussions in the agreed-upon scope document. Reference timelines, budgets, and deliverables outlined during the project initiation phase. Introduce a structured change management process where new requests are documented, assessed for impact, and either approved with adjusted timelines or deferred to a later phase. This approach ensures transparency and accountability while allowing the client to see the trade-offs between additional changes and project outcomes.

We understand the desire for perfection. However, excessive changes can delay timelines and impact quality. We’ll work together to identify the most critical adjustments and allocate resources accordingly.

Managing clients who frequently request changes requires balancing adaptability with protecting the project’s scope and timeline. Establishing a clear change management process ensures everyone understands how revisions affect costs and deadlines. Confidently redirecting conversations to the initial goals can also help keep the project aligned with its original vision.

Acknowledge Their Requests: Start by listening to the client's concerns and showing empathy. This helps build trust and ensures they feel heard. Refer to the Scope of Work: Politely remind them of the agreed-upon project scope. Highlight the specific deliverables, timeline, and budget that were initially set. Use Change Control Processes: Implement a formal change request process. Explain that additional changes may require adjustments to the timeline and budget. Document and approve changes before proceeding. Offer Alternatives: If possible, suggest alternative solutions that align with the current scope. This shows flexibility while maintaining boundaries.