We all want to hit our deadlines and we want to hit our outcomes. But, sometimes, things just go funky and we get behind and we have problems. So, what do you do?
Do you hide and hope nobody notices? I hope not. Because when you do such a thing, suddenly people start to look at you as though you are someone who cannot be trusted. Alternatively, when you know you’re about to have a breakdown, get vocal. Make sure people know. “Guys, I’m in trouble. Next Tuesday is when this is due. I’m falling behind on this. I’m not hitting that number. I want you guys to know. Here’s what I’m doing about it.”
Get visible and vocal, and renegotiate before. The last thing you want to do is to go into your boss and say, “I didn’t hit the deadline. I wish I would understand the project,” because we had plenty of time to talk about that before.
Never let someone down; but alternatively, renegotiate before you hit a deadline. And, make sure you have an agreement so that you can keep your integrity. Because without integrity, there is no basis for a relationship.