How can you manage deadlines with freelancers and contractors?

Establishing unambiguous and feasible deadlines is crucial when managing freelancers and contractors. An example for this - a marketing agency initiated a project timeline emphasizing specific task deadlines, allowing freelancers to align their work accordingly. Clear communication on the scope, expectations, and delivery dates reduces confusion and fosters a shared understanding. Such precision minimizes errors, enhances productivity, and fortifies a collaborative work environment, ensuring projects remain on track with cohesive timeframes that accommodate everyone's schedules. This practice also nurtures mutual respect and reliability between businesses and freelancers, promoting smoother project management and successful outcomes.

Combine além de prazos, mas tempo de resposta para fases das atividades (cycle time) ou até mesmo SLA, mas tudo por tipo de atividade, considerando complexidade e quantidade de esfor?o, principalmente. Nunca avalie ou julgue por tarefas isoladas, mas sempre pela média geral (as vezes, em um mês difícil, foram atrasadas todas entregas, mas na média ainda tem 98% de entregas realizadas no prazo). Acorde um range de conformidade (exemplo: entregas no prazo acima de 85%), acompanhe e se oriente por esse número acordado e tome as corre??es por ela.

Managing deadlines with freelancers and contractors requires effective and regular communication. By communicating regularly, providing feedback, guidance, and support, and listening to their concerns, questions, and suggestions, we can establish a productive and efficient working relationship. Use various communication tools, such as email, phone, video conferencing, or instant messaging, and choose the most appropriate method and frequency for each project. Additionally, establish clear and respectful communication rules and expectations, and consistently follow them. By following these guidelines, we can manage deadlines effectively and ensure that our projects are completed on time and to our satisfaction.

To manage deadlines effectively with freelancers and contractors, addressing conflicts promptly is crucial. For example, a marketing agency encountered a deadline conflict due to miscommunication with a freelancer. They promptly organized a meeting to understand the root cause, clarified expectations, and adjusted timelines together. Such proactive approach mitigated the issue, enabling both parties to realign on deadlines that suited everyone involved. By prioritizing communication and resolution of conflicts swiftly, businesses can uphold professionalism, maintain project momentum, and ensure deadlines are met smoothly with external collaborators.

Make sure you have the contracts which allows you to replace/ let go of the contractor who is under-performing in quick time. Try and avoid year/ multi-year contracts. Do it in 6 months duration with a option to renew. This option may cost more however gives the flexibility to assess the performance and course correct if needed.

As a senior manager overseeing projects with freelancers and contractors, integrating them into our Scrum methodology is pivotal: it’s crucial they feel part of our Scrum team, not just external resources. In practical terms, this means involving them in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospective meetings. Their insights and updates not only improved transparency but also fostered a sense of belonging within the team. By treating freelancers and contractors as valued team members within the Scrum framework, we not only met our deadlines but also cultivated a collaborative environment where everyone’s contributions were respected and appreciated.

In my humble opinion it’s clarity of expectations from both parties, agreements, empowerment & also support to show you are part of the larger picture! When we stop doing that & treat a freelancer as an outsider, guess what will happen? they are going to feel like outsiders.