Episode Transcript
One thing that you have in common with all engineers is deadlines.
But you have your own individual way of dealing with them. Of dealing with the pressure of getting your engineering projects done on time.
It’s not the same for everyone.
When it comes to deadlines, people generally fall into 4 categories:
- Some people are very good at meeting deadlines.
They work tasks into their schedules so that the pressure of the deadline seems minimal.
I’m usually in this category.
Which is mostly a good thing… but not always.
- Some people struggle with deadlines and need external accountability to successfully meet them.
- Some people question every deadline. And don’t see the point of doing the work until they’re satisfied with the need for it.
- And some people don’t like deadlines at all. And, as a rule, they just don’t adhere to them.
No matter what category you’re in, at some point you will face a looming deadline.
You’ll find yourself in a work delay as your schedule is slipping.
The project might seem daunting.
Possibly you’re fighting with procrastination.
But it’s not all as ominous as you think.
If you get stuck at the start – or in the middle – of a project, here are 10 ways to manage the situation.
To minimize the risk – and ease the pressure – of meeting your engineering project deadline.
10 Ways to Manage Your Engineering Project Deadline
- Break Tasks Down into Bite-Size Pieces.
It’s often the case that you just need to get started.
And once things get moving, you’ll pick up momentum and be on your way to meeting your deadline with ease.
Breaking down your tasks makes it easier to get started.
Milestones in your schedule can seem overwhelming.
But once you split them up into smaller steps, they’re much more doable.
Break them down small enough so the first step is simple and enticing.
This is a surefire way to get your project moving.
- Find Your Motivation.
Having no motivation for the project can also prevent you from getting started on it.
Find your motivation by recognizing how the project can benefit you and your career. For example:
- Discover what it can teach you, and what opportunities it can bring.
- Reframe the project to find the joy in it.
- Change your approach to one that motivates you.
- Or make it a more of a ritual and less of a grind.
- Add Adrenaline.
If a tight timetable is what spurs you into action, go ahead and procrastinate.
Drive out any cushion in the schedule.
Wait until the very last possible minute so you’ll be driven by time – or lack thereof.
This, of course, works best when you can clear your schedule of other tasks.
- Address Why You’re Reluctant to Do the Project in the First Place.
Clarify what makes you uncomfortable or what’s giving you that feeling of hesitation.
Maybe you’re thinking the project is not well enough defined.
Maybe the scope is too broad for the schedule. Or the goals are too ambitious.
Whatever it is, address that first.
- Make it Easy.
Find an easier way to accomplish the project.
Like teaming up with others who can help. Or bringing in expertise.
Or using tools to simplify tasks.
- Delegate.
You can delegate the project and remove the deadline from your calendar altogether.
Assign the project to someone else. Someone who has the bandwidth.
Someone who needs the experience.
Maybe you’re better suited to be the overseer.
- Plow Through.
Sometimes it’s best to just push yourself to get it done no matter what.
If it suits your personality, there are some benefits here. You get it done and out of the way. Check it off your list.
There may also be consequences. Like too much stress. And not the best outcome.
But maybe that’s okay. Just this once.
- Negotiate the Task.
Lots of times the project will shift. The scope expands. The schedule creeps.
So it’s not unusual to have to negotiate cost and schedule.
Find out what truly needs to be done by the deadline and what doesn’t. And advocate for a reasonable strategy.
- Decide that Missing the Deadline is Okay.
Determine what the consequences are for missing the deadline on your project.
Are there any? Is anyone even going to notice?
Maybe this is a really low priority project.
Hey, maybe the project shouldn’t even be in your job jar.
- Extend the Deadline.
Often the deadline isn’t as firm as you think.
Sometimes deadlines are set arbitrarily. Or at least with plenty of margin.
You can always ask for an extension.
You Have Options for Managing Your Engineering Project Deadlines
There are many ways (at least 10!) to handle project deadlines.
Some are more in line with your engineering style. And all are valid or not, depending on your particular project situation.
Just know that you don’t have to stay stuck.
You have options.
Be open and flexible. And choose the one that’ll enable you to accomplish the goals of the project with ease.
Deadlines are just one of many challenges you face in managing your engineering tasks.
And I am ready to help you navigate.
To learn more, go to HerEngineeringCareer.com. And sign up for a strategy session by clicking on the Book-a-Strategy-Session button.
Next time on Her Engineering Career Podcast we’ll explore communication approaches for trust and clarity in the engineering workplace.
Be sure to tune in for Episode 143.
