Most professionals are extremely confident in their abilities; however, too many times we are so eager to prove our value that we promise unrealistic performance. Making an impact must be balanced with consideration of our limitations and selective choice of how we respond to assignments, tasks or projects. You will not be frowned upon for timely completing a task, but you will quickly earn a bad reputation (that is hard to shake) if you fail to deliver what you promise.
This was a hard lesson for me to learn. I am always eager to prove my worth and very capable of getting assignments. I will work harder and longer to complete an important task. Unfortunately, other responsibilities tend to creep up on talented people, which sometimes get in the way of delivering assignments as promised. Fortunately, my mentor frequently reminds me to be realistic about my capabilities and current work load before promising anything.
When asked how quickly you can get something done, understand the project time constraints and then “sandbag.” Build in a cushion so you are sure to deliver as promised. Nothing irritates me more (or irritates those I report to) than making a specific promise and then not delivering. If you can complete a project by 3:00 pm, give yourself some breathing room and promise it by 5:00 pm. If you get it done by 3, turn it in and prove your efficiency and value. If something comes up and you do not get it completed by 5, you are still meeting your promised deadline.
Such a simple concept, yet one that many professionals overlook. This is sometimes a difficult process for motivated professionals to master; however, it is a trait that will allow you to consistently perform at the highest levels. Your peers and supervisors will come to expect excellence in the form of meeting or exceeding expectations. Underpromise and then Overdeliver – make it a regular practice and watch your stock soar.
August 21, 2007 at 8:45 am
All good. This strategy works – though I do things slightly differently for a reason based on experience.
If I’ve promised it by 5:00pm? And I get it done by 3:00pm? I won’t EVER hand it in early. DO that often enough and you’ll train your client that 5:00pm doesn’t mean 5:00pm it means 3:00pm…
One day they’ll complain that it was ‘late’ when you delivered it at 5:00pm even though you promised it for 5:00pm… they’ll explain that you ‘always delivered things early and they EXPECTED it early, regardless of what you told them.”
Sadly, I’ve seen this happen. And it’s incredibly frustrating since you can’t win the ‘argument’… expectations contain more reality than promises.
So? When you finish it early? Take the time to review it once more. Catch that last damn typo that always seems to sneak in (Gremlins don’t ya know) – then deliver it at 5:00pm as promised… and as expected.
Enjoy the day
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Great point. You must learn the culture you work in and adjust accordingly. The final review is always a great option (and generally needed). Set reasonable expectations and deliver. Thanks for the comment and for staying with the blog!
mwr
August 21, 2007 at 11:27 am
I put a buffer in my time because rarely does everything happen as expected. It allows those little bumps in the road that slow us down, like printer issues, meetings that ran long, other clients that just…won’t…get…off..the…phone!!
I think it was the great philospher scotty who said ”
“How long to re-fit?” — Kirk,
“Eight weeks. But you don’t have eight weeks, so I’ll do it for you in two.” — Scotty,
“Do you always multiply your repair estimates by a factor of four?” — Kirk,
“How else to maintain my reputation as a miracle worker?” — Scotty
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Those unexpected issues often derail very good intentions. Multiplying by four may get you fired, but I appreciate the quote and the rationale behind it. At one time or another, we are all expected to work a miracle….the trick is defining that miracle on our terms.
mwr
August 21, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Its so true – never promising more than you can actually achieve within the timeframe is something you have to constantly keep an eye on. Particularly when you are heavily court based and hearings run long or trains don’t run at all and a 30 minute directions appointment takes all day – it can throw your whole week’s plan out of whack.
I’m pretty good at managing my workload so that I minimise the bottlenecks but I’m also realistic that its the nature of the job that sometimes you just have to work very very late in order to get it done. You just can’t tell a Judge you didn’t have time to prepare because your case the previous day was delayed in getting on. Well, you could, but I’m not sure I fancy being the one to try it…
Judges may the hardest ones to please because they normally have a full docket, not enough staff and are always playing “catch up” themselves. They are in a difficult position and it is our job – as officers of the court – to plan for preparedness. Thanks for the comment and real life examples. If you do hear of the lawyer who tells a judge they did not have time (it wil not be me), I would be very interested to hear the reaction.
August 21, 2007 at 2:39 pm
For the record: I do want to distance myself from the x4 timeframe. You would get so busted for doing that. But the sentiment I still support!