We all know that managing deadlines is key to project success.
Without a deadline, there is no sense of urgency, direction or motivation to do anything. Project management is all about setting due dates for tasks or deliverables.
Many projects are subject to delays, missed deadlines, or poor follow-up. It can cost thousands of dollars and time wasted if a project fails or slows down.
You can make significant changes to your system if you are constantly late or rushing.
Missing deadlines is the #1 reason
Before we get into the how, let us take a moment and discuss why deadlines are missed. Understanding the root cause of a delay can help to fight it.
Procrastination is a major factor in managing deadlines, so it’s not surprising. Why do we procrastinate so much? Research shows that we are more likely to procrastinate if it brings up negative feelings like anxiety, self-doubt or boredom.
This being said, the first step in meeting deadlines is to treat them sacredly and crucially–to make them a priority.
Consider the positive impact that procrastination will have on the project if it is a problem. Consider who is responsible for the project, how much time and effort you and others have invested on it, and what costs you will incur if you fail.
This mindset will help keep you focused and motivated to meet all your project deadlines.
The easiest way to create a project plan
In just 10 minutes, you can create a beautiful project plan. You can switch between gantt and calendar views with a single click.
Get your planMeet deadlines right on time
You can easily create, track, and share all your milestones and tasks so that your team can move faster. In just 10 minutes, you can create a beautiful project plan!
Create your free plan. How to meet your project deadlines
Let’s now get tactical and discuss ways to increase personal accountability.
How can you make sure you meet your project deadlines? These are six key steps that you can incorporate into your existing workflow.
1. Make a list of all the tasks and deliverables for your project.
These actions can be written as steps and not vague, generic phrases to increase motivation. A checklist can help you track your progress and manage your time if a task you’re given involves a few steps.
2. Based on the complexity of the work, set a reasonable deadline.
Don’t make the mistake of setting a deadline that you won’t be able to meet. You should analyze the complexity of the work and determine the time it will take to complete it.
A work breakdown structure can help to better understand the scope of work and allow you to estimate time and effort.
3. Every deadline should have a reasonable buffer.
A cushion is an extra time that is given in the event of delays, problems or other issues that could cause the project to stop abruptly.
It is important not to go overboard. Even if things don’t go according to plan, it’s easier to meet your deadline if you have a little cushion.
4. Partner with an accountability partner
It’s easier to meet a deadline when someone is holding you accountable. These people, whether they are your project leader, a client, stakeholder, or both, will hold you accountable and motivate to meet your deadlines.
5. Concentrate on one task at a given time.
Multitasking may seem like a way to get more done, but it can lead to burnout and disorganization if you are trying to think about too many things at once.
Concentrate your attention, time, and effort on one task. Once you have completed it, it will motivate you.
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