What are the top mistakes to avoid when managing deadlines in Corporate Communications?

Being able to effectively manage deadlines is important for communication people. I want to share three common mistakes to avoid: Underestimating Time Requirements: One of the most significant mistakes is underestimating the time it takes to complete a task. In some instances, we say you can underpromise and overdeliver which is better. Ineffective Task Delegation: Delegating tasks without clear instructions or not following up can lead to misunderstandings and missed deadlines. Like I always share with my team, “Do not expect what you don’t inspect”. Failure to Anticipate Obstacles: Failing to anticipate potential roadblocks, such as technical issues or unexpected events, can derail timelines.

❓ “I just have a few questions for you before we get started.” Well, five questions to be specific. Whenever a project request comes in, I ask these five core questions every time: 1. What action are you trying to drive? 2. When do you need this? 3. How good does this need to be? For example, a video or website can be simple or complex. 4. How much budget do you have? Based on the question above, are you looking to spend $500, $5,000 or $50,000? 5. Who needs to review and approve this? Not clarifying this up front can lead to BIG trouble. These aren't the only questions you need to ask, but they are essential to getting almost any major project started.

It is vital to keep stakeholders posted regularly regarding the progress of the project. Failure to communicate potential roadblocks or changes in project timelines to stakeholders can lead to confusion and missed expectations.

Of course it's important to set clear expectations with your clients and business partners, but it's just as important to set clear expectations with yourself. Try to get a better understanding of really how long it takes you to do a certain thing, and then plan and block your time accordingly so you know how much time (and energy) the project is going to take.

Understanding the best way to communicate is an often overlooked component of setting expectations. Everyone has different learning and collaboration styles - understanding the best way for the group to communicate is vital. Keeping in mind the knowledge level and experience of participants is also key to setting clear expectations - industry uses a significant amount of jargon and when you’re working with collaborative groups not everyone may have the same understanding which can make clear communications seem unclear

Managing deadlines in corporate communications can be a challenge, especially with the dynamic of working with top executives. For projects with external deadlines, like an award entry, I would create a timeline and include it in every email. And then I would LIE about the deadline. In the inevitable last-minute crunch, I would always be able to get us a day or two "extension" to meet the real deadline on time.

I work on a low output, high impact strategy, as opposed to a high output, low impact strat. Prioritize urgent vs important. Have a structure that works for you, especially when you are under pressure. !

It's human nature to avoid tasks we're not sure how to do and/or where we might not feel the most capable. This often looks to outsiders that we're not prioritizing tasks; however, it's more about a reluctance on our part to jump in and get started. Self-awareness of this is critical to meet deadlines. Often, these are the projects where we need to have the courage to ask for help in whatever area we're not feeling as confident and capable.

A mistake I continually see (and make myself) is chronically overestimating how much is possible in a given timeframe. Our culture breeds false urgency and unrealistic deadlines that fuel burnout. The expectation becomes nonstop work at an unsustainable pace. In corporate communications specifically, we must push back on this harmful norm. Get clear on how long quality work actually takes. Build breathing room into schedules. Scope projects in focused sprints versus open-ended ongoing demands. Say no to requests outside your bandwidth. Limit additions once a deadline is set. Quality thinking needs time and space. (More vital, and easier to facilitate in the age of AI.) Evolve workplace cultures valuing mindful, strategic work.

It emphasises a critical aspect of effective corporate communications – the art of prioritization. In the whirlwind of tasks, overlooking the distinction between urgent and important can lead to inefficiency and missed opportunities. To excel in this arena, it's essential to maintain a strategic perspective, aligning tasks with their true worth and immediacy. Leveraging organizational tools and methodologies like calendars, to-do lists, and the Eisenhower matrix not only streamlines the workflow but also ensures that one invests time and resources wisely, maximizing the impact of their efforts. Prioritization thus becomes a cornerstone of not just productivity, but also success and achievement in the corporate communication landscape.

Unexpected obstacles can arise during projects, and failing to plan for contingencies can lead to missed deadlines. Anticipate potential risks and have backup plans in place to mitigate their impact. This includes allowing some buffer time in the schedule to account for unforeseen delays.

We most often need to work with others to gather the information needed to complete a project. Waiting until the last minute, right before something is due, to do the bulk of your work means there's a good chance you're going to have to call someone with an urgent request, and nobody wants to do that!

Time management plays pivotal role in the realm of corporate communication. Effective time management is the key for productivity and overall well-being in a demanding field where deadlines are sacrosanct. The perils of procrastination and distractions are well-documented. These not only impair productivity but also compromise the quality and creativity of one's work. The result is often a surge in stress and anxiety levels, detrimental to both personal and professional life. The antidote lies in a combination of strategies. Realistic planning ensures that tasks are allocated the necessary time, averting a rushed approach. Moreover, setting self-imposed deadlines and milestones serves as a performance yardstick.

Be open to feedback. And I also agree that too many cooks can ruin the dish. But, that's fine. Don't hesitate to seek feedback on your work. Gather as many as perspectives as possible. And then use your judgement.

Collaboration, it’s powerful and game changing! By involving others, listening, learning and actioning what you’ve learnt, you can change outcomes. Whilst working in isolation in certain situations is the right thing to do, working with others builds relationships, knowledge and confidence, which contributes to personal development, better results and a higher chance of campaign success.

Communication is essential when managing deadlines. Failing to communicate effectively with your team can lead to misunderstandings, missed milestones, and delays. Keep everyone informed about project timelines, expectations, and any changes that may arise.

Remember that two heads are nearly always better than one. Working with an editor is crucial when meeting deadlines. You may feel tempted to skip this step, but it will always lead to mistakes.

In the daily hustle of Corporate Comms, the act of reaching out for help or feedback often takes a backseat. Especially when my 'can-do' spirit kicks in, it's easy to overlook that others might have valuable insights. Not asking for help is like missing out on a shortcut because you didn't stop to ask directions. A simple request for feedback or a bit of assistance can actually sidestep delays and prevent errors. It’s not about handling everything solo; it’s about smart teamwork and learning from those around. The reality is, a little help or feedback not only smooths the path but adds a fresh perspective, making the task less daunting and more enriching. A small step of reaching out can lead to a giant leap in getting things done right.

As a team lead, it's very crucial to properly analyse the expectations of your client especially with deliverables delivery. This will help you in process of your team selection or set-up, bse some employees are brilliant in achieving timely and urgent projects, while others are okay working with less pressure.

Adaptar às circunstâncias da vida e do trabalho é importante, mas deve haver cautela na perspectiva do profissional. Obviamente há flutuações em todas as empresas, dependendo das condições do mercado, da liderança do momento, etc. Isso faz parte da vida de todo mundo. No entanto, você deve estabelecer seus limites. Se são coisas que você não pode controlar e elas afetam negativamente suas condições de trabalho, talvez seja hora de você buscar alternativas no mercado. O importante é se perguntar honestamente: vale a pena eu me adaptar a isso?

Excellent points here about flexibility. The biggest failures I’ve seen in managing critical deliverables are staying too laser-locked on milestone dates. Conditions, halfway down the path, might not be the same as when you set the schedule. Experienced leaders who are good at forecasting are also willing to make micro shifts along the way if needed.

There's always more than one way to tell a story. Being open to other interpretations makes you a better communicator. Don't assume your first idea is the best idea, and be ready for feedback from others.

Micromanaging your team can hinder productivity and create unnecessary stress. Trust your team members to deliver on their assigned tasks and provide guidance and support rather than constantly checking in on every detail. Empower your team to take ownership of their work and meet deadlines independently.

Comemorar conquistas é essencial para manter a equipe motivada e satisfeita! Celebrar marcos e sucessos não apenas reconhece o esforço dos colaboradores, mas também cria um ambiente de trabalho positivo e colaborativo. Líderes que valorizam e celebram as realizações de suas equipes fortalecem o espírito de time, aumentam a autoestima dos empregados(as) e impulsionam a produtividade.

Few simple TIPS to celebrate: - Apply for internal and external awards - Showcase your team member in appropriate meetings - Gift a course to your team member

We can feel overwhelmed by perfectionism, and our own desire to everything to the best of our abilities. Deadlines become our friends when we remember that: ✔️Done is better than perfect, especially if you have 500 things to do. ✔️Started is better than perfect, especially if you’re procrastinating. ✔️Bare-minimum is better than perfect, especially if you’re overwhelmed by the size of a task.

The majority of Corporate Communications work should be proactive, not requested. This article misses that essential point. If the Corporate Communications team has a long-term strategic Communications plan, aligned leaders and team members, and the company has hired at the right level of expertise for a Corporate Communications leader, the issue of missing deadlines is not a major problem. Negotiating deadlines, prioritizing, saying no without losing relationships, and avoiding "shiny object syndrome" is always going to be a key challenge to take-on. But experts hired at the right level can navigate this. CEOs should hire appropriately and empower Corporate Communications leaders to lead.

Don't call them 'deadlines' if you compose corporate communication for an international audience. Colleagues in parts of Asia have shared in feedback sessions the use of word 'dead' has negative connotations. Instead, consider using terms like: - Due date - Goal date - End date - Completion date

The success of any communications plan requires commitment of time by all contributors. This is especially true for executive communications. A plan is only effective if leaders devote the requisite time to engage regularly and actively with defined strategies, tactics, and their communication strategists. Making communications a goal in annual personal leadership measurements can help with this. Ensuring executive assistants understand the importance of communications so they can protect time for engagement by leaders also can help. Communications strategists should provide regular progress toward plan goals, as well as any measurements of success to date and data, to keep executive leaders future-focused and to prevent distractions.

One important aspect of managing deadlines in corporate communications that I've learned through experience is the value of effective communication. It's crucial to establish open and transparent lines of communication with all stakeholders, including clients, team members, and superiors. By fostering a culture of clear and frequent updates, we can address potential issues early, make necessary adjustments, and ensure everyone is on the same page. This proactive approach can significantly reduce misunderstandings and help meet deadlines more consistently.