When a client requests additional project resources, it’s an opportunity to align expectations and reinforce your partnership. First, assess whether the request fits within the project scope and initial agreements. This involves determining if it’s an added requirement or if the current resources can be optimized to meet the demand. Next, review your team’s capacity, considering their current workload and commitments. Adding resources may impact timelines, so it’s essential to ensure that quality isn’t compromised. Finally, communicate transparently with the client. Openly discuss options, set realistic boundaries, and highlight the benefits of prioritizing. This approach helps both sides find a practical solution.

Here’s a structured approach to finding the best course of action: Assess the Project Scope: Begin by reviewing the initial project scope to understand how the additional resource demand aligns with the agreed-upon objectives. Understand the Client’s Motivation: Engage in a conversation with the client to identify their reasons for the additional request. Evaluate Resource Availability and Impact: Review your team’s capacity and timeline flexibility. Determine whether accommodating the client’s request would compromise other project elements or impact team workload. This assessment will clarify the feasibility of fulfilling their request without overextending resources.

1. **Assess Needs**: Evaluate the client's request to determine the specific resources needed and their impact on the project. 2. **Review Budget and Timeline**: Check the current budget and timeline to see if accommodating the request is feasible. 3. **Consult the Team**: Discuss with your team to gather insights on the implications of adding resources and potential adjustments. 4. **Negotiate**: If necessary, negotiate with the client to clarify expectations, limitations, and potential trade-offs. 5. **Document Changes**: If you proceed, ensure all changes are documented and communicated to maintain transparency and alignment.

When a client demands extra project resources, I’d first assess whether the request is feasible without jeopardizing the project’s budget, timeline, or quality. If additional resources can be provided, I’d outline the impact and potential adjustments needed. If not, I’d communicate openly, explaining any constraints, and work together to find a compromise that aligns with both the client’s needs and our capabilities, such as prioritizing key elements or adjusting the scope.

Agreed on all of the above. Assuming that communication and contracts have been clear up to this point, the client’s demands are either reasonable or unreasonable. If the latter, the soft skills trick would be to diplomatically explain this to the client. A good conflict resolution strategy would address this messaging. The 5-Step Kata from Verbal Judo comes to mind: 1-Ask 2-Context 3-Options 4-Confirm 5-Act By asking the client why their demand for resources is so critical, you provide the client with validation. You also get to check if the client is correct. By setting context, you help the client understand that there are other parties that matter in this equation: shareholders, employees, and, of course, other clients.