Deadlines are an inevitable part of any project, but sometimes they can be unrealistic and cause stress, frustration, and poor quality work. How can you manage unrealistic deadlines without compromising your performance, reputation, or relationships? Here are some tips to help you communicate effectively and negotiate a better outcome.
The first step is to understand why the deadline is unrealistic and how it affects you and the project. Is it due to poor planning, changing requirements, unexpected delays, or external factors? How much time and resources do you need to complete the task? What are the risks and consequences of missing the deadline? How important is the deadline for the client, stakeholder, or manager? By assessing the situation, you can identify the root cause of the problem and the scope of the solution.
Muitas vezes, pelo turbilh?o de demandas que temos em nosso dia a dia, temos atitudes 8 ou 80: aceitamos e negamos demandas sem a devida análise. Em rela??o aos prazos, avalie de forma genuína n?o somente a data de entrega, mas a importancia que ela tem para organiza??o. A depender da importancia, outras demandas que dever?o ser negociadas, poderá haver a contrata??o de recursos. Enfim, entenda o cenário e seja claro e assertivo no alinhamento de expectativas para n?o gerar frustra??o do demandante e você perder credibilidade.
As soon as you realize that the deadline is unrealistic, you should communicate it to the relevant parties. Don't wait until the last minute or hope that things will work out somehow. Explain the reasons why the deadline is unrealistic, the impact it has on the project, and the alternatives you propose. Be honest, respectful, and professional. Avoid blaming, complaining, or making excuses. Use facts, data, and evidence to support your case. Listen to the other side's perspective and concerns, and acknowledge their needs and expectations.
Get comfortable with uncomfortable conversations. And don't be afraid of having them. The enemy of good communication is avoidance. Difficult conversations are a reality of life if you often find yourself in the position where you have to manage unrealistic timelines. Better to talk sooner rather than later. More often rather than not at all. The approach is key. Marry good news with bad, offer new options when others are taken off the table, and most importantly, work together to determine next steps. There is nothing worse for a client or a coworker then when they feel blindsided. So make sure they feel informed, that they know when details are unrealistic, and guide them to the best approach for all involved.
The goal of communicating is to find a mutually acceptable compromise that balances the quality, scope, and time of the project. You may need to prioritize the most critical tasks, reduce the complexity or features of the deliverable, extend the deadline, or request additional support or resources. Be flexible, creative, and realistic. Don't agree to something that you can't deliver or that will compromise your standards or ethics. Focus on the value and benefits of the compromise for both parties, and document the agreement in writing.
Once you have negotiated a compromise, you need to manage your time and expectations accordingly. Create a realistic and detailed plan that outlines the tasks, milestones, resources, and contingencies for the project. Communicate the plan to the relevant parties and update them regularly on the progress and any issues or changes. Avoid distractions, procrastination, and scope creep. Delegate, outsource, or collaborate with others if possible. Set clear and realistic expectations for yourself and others, and don't overpromise or underdeliver.
Finally, you should learn from the experience and use it to improve your future projects. Evaluate the causes and consequences of the unrealistic deadline, and identify what went well and what could be improved. Seek feedback from the client, stakeholder, or manager, and provide your own feedback as well. Recognize your achievements and challenges, and celebrate your successes. Apply the lessons learned to prevent or minimize unrealistic deadlines in the future, and to communicate and negotiate more effectively.