You're in need of additional resources for a project. How do you convince your boss to provide them?

Thoroughly assessing your specific resource needs before approaching your boss is essential. Clearly define whether you need additional personnel, upgraded software, or more time, and understand how each resource will contribute to the project's efficiency and success. This preparation demonstrates that you've done your homework and are requesting resources for valid reasons, not just asking for extras. Ensuring that the project's scope, complexity, and deadlines align with current resource allocation is key to a well-justified request.

Building a compelling case is critical after identifying your needs. Gather evidence to support your request, such as project timelines, workload analysis, and potential risks of not having the necessary resources. Your argument should be logical and clearly highlight the consequences of resource shortages on the project's success. Explain how additional resources will mitigate risks, improve quality, or expedite delivery. Remember, you're not just asking for more; you're presenting a well-thought-out solution.

Show financial benefits to the project in terms of added billing for additional FTEs and net add achieved. These are applicable for T&M contracts and consulting resource augmenting engagements. Showing revenues and margin upstrides is a good way to convince and get senior management buy in.

When discussing additional resources, it's essential to highlight how they will benefit the project and the company. Show how the resources can result in a better product, help tap into new markets or technologies, improve team morale, or reduce burnout. Your boss will be more persuaded if you can demonstrate that the investment will yield tangible benefits like improved customer satisfaction, increased revenue potential, or a stronger competitive edge. Focusing on these advantages makes your case much stronger.

Suggest adding from bench or internal pool thereby improving overall utilisation of the organization. Also adding freshers or less experience resources contribute to a higher margin.

I completely agree! Always when thinking of making a request for additional resources for a project, as a Product Designer, we also have to consider beforehand what the ROI will be if we choose each option, for enabling our boos to be fully informed of the impact in the business of adding the additional resource we are asking for.