By
Bill Fields
Submitted On February 17, 2011
For every commitment that one makes, the goal is to deliver a
quality outcome, on time and within the allocated resources. What if
this isn't always possible?
The Causes
Even the best-intentioned commitments, sometimes cannot be fulfilled. Causes for this might include:
* Taking on too many commitments
* Conflicting priorities
* Unanticipated events
* Underperformance by a subordinate or team member
* Inadequate planning
* Lack of resources
* Beyond skill and experience level
* Poor time management
* Procrastination
* Neglect
When a commitment starts to fall behind, the initial reaction is to try to catch up. Much like a circus juggler, one rushes back and forth between commitments, forestalling them all from crashing to the ground. As deadlines loom closer, the commitments become a stressful and unpleasant exercise.
Possible Actions
* Work harder and longer
* Apply additional resources
* Drop something else
* Avoid the sponsor
* Ignore the situation
At some point, however, the most appropriate action may be to explore whether the deliverables or resources can be re-negotiated. This is better done sooner than later, so that there is a real opportunity for meaningful negotiations. Perhaps you've been avoiding your sponsor or customer, because you feel guilty about missing your commitment. Avoidance won't resolve anything. It's better to have the difficult conversation, acknowledge what has happened and work together to rectify the situation.
When a commitment seems to be in jeopardy, the true professional takes responsibility for the situation and demonstrates the maxim, "No Surprises". Never wait until the due date to declare that you're behind. It's too late then. Your conversation needs to happen much earlier.
The Causes
Even the best-intentioned commitments, sometimes cannot be fulfilled. Causes for this might include:
* Taking on too many commitments
* Conflicting priorities
* Unanticipated events
* Underperformance by a subordinate or team member
* Inadequate planning
* Lack of resources
* Beyond skill and experience level
* Poor time management
* Procrastination
* Neglect
When a commitment starts to fall behind, the initial reaction is to try to catch up. Much like a circus juggler, one rushes back and forth between commitments, forestalling them all from crashing to the ground. As deadlines loom closer, the commitments become a stressful and unpleasant exercise.
Possible Actions
* Work harder and longer
* Apply additional resources
* Drop something else
* Avoid the sponsor
* Ignore the situation
At some point, however, the most appropriate action may be to explore whether the deliverables or resources can be re-negotiated. This is better done sooner than later, so that there is a real opportunity for meaningful negotiations. Perhaps you've been avoiding your sponsor or customer, because you feel guilty about missing your commitment. Avoidance won't resolve anything. It's better to have the difficult conversation, acknowledge what has happened and work together to rectify the situation.
When a commitment seems to be in jeopardy, the true professional takes responsibility for the situation and demonstrates the maxim, "No Surprises". Never wait until the due date to declare that you're behind. It's too late then. Your conversation needs to happen much earlier.
Diamond Management Institute develops high-performance
organizations through customized management consulting, strategic and
operational planning, leadership development, and employee training
solutions. We are passionate about improving performance and
effectiveness - for organizations and for individuals.
Contact Bill Fields, President at 905-820-8308 or http://diamondmanagementinstitute.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Bill_Fields/936591
Contact Bill Fields, President at 905-820-8308 or http://diamondmanagementinstitute.com
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