Even the most reliable people sometimes fail to finish a task on time. Whatever the cause when we simply can't meet a deadline and we can expect our bosses or customers to be dissatisfied. Is it best for you to play possum and hope that your mistake will eventually go away?
As you may guess, the opposite is true. A few practical tips on how to better solve this situation were published on The Muse website.
Do not wait until the last minute
Try to avoid announcing your inability to meet a deadline on the day when you should have submitted your work. In most cases, you have already guessed that things are becoming too complex in advance. If that is the case, you need to report it as soon as possible, explain the relevant reasons, and ask for an extension.
It is clear that failing to comply with a deadline set in a your client's contract will be more serious than if you do not meet the promise you made vaguely of: "I'll bring it next week".
However, you should have a single plan for all the cases if you fail to meet a deadline. The plan should explain the delay without unnecessary excuses. Just present the facts and be brief.
Offer something extra
When asking for an extension of your deadline, try to support your request by an offer which will be viewed as a compensation for missing the deadline. Simply offer something extra. Say for example: "Today I can submit only a five-page report, but I can prepare ten pages and cover more topics tomorrow." Always try to offer help in some way in order to maintain good relations in the future.
You should always agree on a new specific deadline so that you can avoid misunderstanding "a week" differently than your boss. It is also important to show that you appreciate the extended deadline. Briefly express a thank you and make your boss sure that will you do everything not to be late again.
Then keep your promise. If you ask for an extension of a deadline only in exceptional cases, your superiors will agree. However, if you make frequent requests, usually at the last moment, you should count on sanctions.
The best rule to avoid missing a deadline is simple: set a deadline for yourself about one to two days before the actual deadline. Clearly mark it on your calendar or somewhere where you can see it every day. Nobody, so far, has come up with a better solution.
-kk-