What do you do if clients and team members are not aware of project deadlines?

1 Assess Situation

As soon as you realize that there's a lack of awareness about project deadlines, take a step back to assess the situation. Determine how this oversight occurred and which deadlines are not being recognized. It's important to understand whether the problem is due to a communication gap, a misunderstanding, or simply a lack of information dissemination. Once you've pinpointed the issue, you can address it directly. For instance, if the problem is a communication gap, you might need to revisit your communication channels and strategies to ensure that information is reaching all relevant parties effectively.

2 Inform Stakeholders

Once you've assessed the situation, the next step is to inform all stakeholders about the project deadlines promptly. This can be done through a meeting, an email, or any other effective communication method that ensures everyone gets the message. Clearly outline each deadline, what is expected by that date, and the consequences of missing these deadlines. Be transparent about the project's status and what needs to be done to stay on track. It's crucial that this information is conveyed in a clear, concise, and professional manner to avoid any further confusion.

3 Set Priorities

After informing everyone about the deadlines, help your team and clients prioritize their tasks. Explain which milestones are critical and why they need to be met. This might involve reassigning tasks, offering additional resources, or adjusting timelines to accommodate any unforeseen challenges. In doing so, you are not only keeping the project on schedule but also demonstrating your commitment to its success and your ability to manage complex situations effectively.

4 Monitor Progress

With priorities set, it's essential to monitor the progress closely to ensure that deadlines will be met. This could involve regular check-ins with team members, progress reports from different departments, or setting up a tracking system that allows stakeholders to see real-time updates. Monitoring progress helps in identifying potential delays early on and allows you to take proactive measures to keep everything moving forward as planned.

5 Provide Support

If you find that team members are struggling to meet deadlines, it's important to provide support and guidance. This may involve offering additional training, resources, or even bringing in extra help if necessary. Your role as an account manager is not just to oversee the project but also to facilitate a working environment where your team can succeed. By providing the necessary support, you're helping to ensure that deadlines are met and that the project remains on course.

6 Adjust Strategies

Finally, if deadlines are consistently being missed despite your efforts, it may be time to adjust your strategies. This could mean reevaluating your project management approach, communication methods, or even the feasibility of the deadlines themselves. Sometimes, setting more realistic timelines or breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable parts can make a significant difference. Always be prepared to adapt your strategies to meet the needs of the project and the capabilities of your team.