This goes without saying to those of us who have learned the hard way that one should never promise a task’s finish date without being 100% confident. There are however, folks who have yet to encounter the wrath of the unsatisfied client. Hell hath no scorn like someone who doesn’t have what they want, when they expected it.

The number one reason that mushy deadlines are thrown out is that they get dragggged out of innocent workers. A classic scenario is when a co-worker or outside client calls up with a request and is quite cordial about it (aka schmoozing) but before dropping goodbyes, wants to know when “it” will be done. This is where the groundwork for a pitfall can (and usually is) laid.

If you’re unsure of when you’ll have a finished project, DO NOT promise a date and/or time. Instead, explain why you cannot promise a finish point but reassure the other person that you will keep them update on a regular basis. Under-promise and over-deliver, my friends!

To recap…

• Never promise, but rather offer explanation of how the work process will go.
• Offer an estimated completion period when unsure of an exact finish date.
• Always keep cool and do not be intimidated by a large task. Showing weakness damages others’ confidence in your abilities.
• Report progress regularly, to keep others up to speed on your progress. Clients and co-workers appreciate communication prior to completion.
• Under-promise and over-deliver!

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