The reality is, that all of the deadlines may not be met. Step one, is to meet with your internal stakeholders, and determine a prioritization, that everyone can agree upon. Normally, factors such as revenue/orders, deadlines, strategic value, time/effort required, complexity should be considered. Once the prioritization is understood, it is simply a matter of executing. In order to meet the strict deadline, standing cadence calls, and known escalation paths can help to expedite the efforts. Additional communication regarding status, next steps, etc. helps to ensure that all stakeholders are informed and working towards the same goals.

To ensure all deadlines are met when juggling contracts with multiple parties, I prioritize clear communication and set realistic timelines from the beginning. I maintain a detailed project management system to track deadlines, tasks, and responsibilities for each contract. Regular check-ins with all stakeholders help me stay informed about potential delays, and I adjust timelines as needed to mitigate risks. If conflicts arise, I assess which deadlines are most critical and reallocate resources accordingly. By staying proactive and organized, I ensure that all deadlines are met without compromising the quality of the deliverables.

Step one is to breakdown the scope and agree as a team who will be in charge of what. It is important that before you have the internal consensus on scope as a team that the turn-around time with the client giving instructions is clearly agreed upon to lay the road and clarity on the assignment understood with certainity. Breaking down the assignment into smaller tasks and reviewing the inner detail of the smaller tasks enables efficiency to be achieved and the turnaround time met.

From a business and negotiator standpoint, knowing when the parties want finalizing is always great, so talking with the client and internal team members to set the expectation is key to achieving target dates. I personally use an iterative cycle with all contracts. Basically, what needs to be done 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.. (normally no more than 5 iteratives) which allows me, the client and the team to stay on task. What takes the longest is typically always 1st. Contracts can all be managed the same way - depending on the complexity, size & scope. Consistency helps the team know what to expect.

In a scenario where multiple contracts must be managed concurrently, meticulous organisation is vital to meet all deadlines. Begin by creating a comprehensive timeline that outlines critical dates and deliverables for each agreement. Utilise digital tools or contract management software to track these milestones effectively. Regularly communicate with all parties involved. This not only keeps everyone informed but also facilitates prompt resolution of potential issues. Establish a clear escalation procedure for any delays or complications that may arise. Finally, conduct periodic reviews of progress. This proactive approach aids in identifying bottlenecks early, ensuring all contractual obligations are fulfilled in a timely manner.