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Deadline coming up? The key is to break it down into manageable mini-deadlines. This method transforms a daunting task into achievable steps, keeping you focused and motivated. Here’s how to apply this strategy effectively: Day 1 → Plan and Outline: Establish clear objectives and milestones. This foundational step is crucial for aligning your efforts with the project's end goal. Day 2 & 3 → Research and Gather Data: Dive deep into research. Remember, quality data is the backbone of any successful project. Day 4 & 5 → Draft and Write: This is where your ideas take shape. Write with clarity and purpose, knowing that refinement comes later. Day 6 → Review, Edit, and Refine: Critically evaluate your work. Edit with a keen eye for detail, ensuring your draft meets the project's objectives. Day 7 → Final Polish and Submission: Give your project a final review. This is your moment to ensure everything is polished to perfection. Pro-Tip: Implement the 'Pomodoro Technique' during each phase. Work for 25 minutes uninterrupted, then take a 5-minute break. This keeps your mind fresh and productivity high. Remember, deadlines are not just dates; they're opportunities to showcase your capability to deliver quality work under pressure. They are dates with purpose. Breaking down your project into mini-deadlines is more than a strategy; it's a mindset shift towards consistent progress and achievement. For more insights on productivity and innovative business strategies, follow Skadoosh on LinkedIn. We're committed to providing you with tools and techniques for unparalleled business growth. Click 'Follow' and unlock your potential today!

I recently got a message from LinkedIn: "You've been selected to answer:" What are the best practices for setting realistic project deadlines? My initial thought was… Why Setting Realistic Project Deadlines Feels Like Chasing Unicorns You'd think that with all the tools, methodologies, and caffeine at our disposal, setting realistic project deadlines would be a breeze. But alas, none of these elements magically create accurate timelines. Here's why we're perpetually off-target (and here are a few tips to help us aim better)! Ever found yourself staring at a project timeline, wondering if it was written by a fortune teller with a broken crystal ball? If you answer "Yes," you are not alone. The Usual Culprits: Optimism Bias: We all think we're superheroes who can finish tasks faster than a speeding bullet. Spoiler alert: We're not. Scope Creep: Just when you think you've got everything planned, someone decides to add "just one more thing" to the project. Surprise! Resource Mirage: Estimating resources is like trying to predict the weather – sometimes sunny, often stormy, and always unpredictable. The Meeting Maze: Meetings about meetings, where the only progress made is perfecting our doodling skills. Historical Inaccuracy: "We've done similar projects before." – Famous last words before discovering that past projects were actually nothing alike. External Pressures: Clients, stakeholders, and market trends all have their timelines, which usually don't align with reality. So, what can we do? Understand Scope: Clearly define what needs to be done – and what doesn't. No more, no less. Assess Resources: Honestly evaluate your team's capacity. Spoiler alert: They're human, not robots. Identify Risks: Anticipate potential pitfalls and plan for them. Think of it as a crystal ball that actually works. Consult Team: Get input from those who'll be in the trenches. They know what's feasible... most of the time. Review Past Projects: Learn from history, but remember that no two projects are the same. Adjust accordingly. Monitor Progress: Regularly check in and adjust as needed. Flexibility is key! Embrace Reality: Sometimes, things will go off track. Adapt and keep moving forward. What else can we do to keep our deadlines realistic? Share your tips (or horror stories) below! Synergy between people, processes, and technology are crucial pillars… #Leadership #ProjectManagement #Innovation #Michael_MDE 🔔 Follow my profile and ring the bell to stay updated on my latest post!

🕒 Mastering the Art of Deadline Management: A Practical Guide 🕒 In our fast-paced industry, managing deadlines and working under pressure are skills as critical as any technical expertise. I'd like to share some strategies that have helped me navigate these challenges effectively. 1. Setting Realistic Deadlines: 🎯 Realism Over Optimism: It's tempting to set aggressive deadlines to impress clients, but this often backfires (tried it, doesn’t work). I prioritize setting realistic timelines, which allows us to exceed expectations by delivering early, rather than struggling with unattainable goals. 🛠️ Buffer for Uncertainty: Always factor in a buffer for unforeseen circumstances. This approach helps in absorbing any unexpected delays, ensuring that we stay on track. 2. Communication Under Pressure: 🗣️ Stay Calm, Stay Focused: High-pressure situations can lead to hasty decisions. I've found that maintaining calmness in communication helps in keeping the focus on solving the issue at hand, rather than escalating stress. 👥 Transparent Dialogue: Honest and frequent communication with the team and clients about progress and potential roadblocks is key. It builds trust and allows for collaborative problem-solving. 3. Prioritizing the Essentials: 🔍 Focus on Core Deliverables: Concentrating on the 'must-haves' rather than the 'nice-to-haves' ensures that crucial aspects of the project are not compromised. If time permits, we then turn our attention to additional features. 🏁 Efficiency in Execution: This streamlined approach not only aids in meeting deadlines but also ensures that quality is not sacrificed for speed. Conclusion: Setting realistic goals, preparing for uncertainties, focused communication, and prioritizing essential tasks have been instrumental in my approach to managing deadlines and working under pressure. I’d love to hear your strategies and experiences in this area. How do you balance the demands of tight deadlines with the need for quality and precision? #ProjectManagement #DeadlineManagement #WorkUnderPressure #ProfessionalGrowth

So you’ve won the work, now what…? Here are six things we keep in mind when starting a new project: 1. 🚀 Celebrate the win, but don’t lose sight of what comes next: Take a moment to appreciate the success and acknowledge your team’s efforts. However, it's crucial to stay grounded and shift focus to the task at hand. A successful pitch is just the beginning; execution is where the real work begins. 2. 📆 Have a kick-off with the team: Gather the team for a kick-off meeting to align everyone on the project's objectives, scope, and their respective roles. This sets the tone for collaboration and ensures everyone starts on the same page. 3. 📚 Get a clear understanding of the project requirements: Just like in customer interviews, preparation is key. Clear understanding at the start ensures that the team is aligned, reducing the risk of misunderstandings later in the process. 4. 🤝 Keep up the communication: Regular updates, clear expectations, and an understanding of stakeholder needs and concerns will enable collaboration. Keeping stakeholders engaged will help keep everyone aligned on progress and outcomes. 5. 📊 Set clear post-project evaluation metrics: Establish clear metrics to evaluate the project's success. This could include user feedback, performance metrics, and any other relevant KPIs. 6. ⏱️ Clarify timelines and desired outcomes: Communicate project timelines and milestones. Define the expected outcomes at each stage, ensuring everyone understands the project's progression and overarching goals. Keep in mind that a well-executed project goes beyond delivering results; it lays the groundwork for future success. #productmanagement #scope #deliverables #timeline #pitching #project

It takes more time to ask or confirm but it is worth because of the video below: 😁

This may seem silly, but a lot of people struggle with tight deadlines - ESPECIALLY when the task is HUGE. Personally, I'm used to this - but I have such a huge task that I need to finish with a very quick turnaround this week, that I needed to look for other tips to help me cross the finish line. Here's a few that I implemented, but this article has so many more great ideas! • Accept that you’ve got a tight deadline (this is huge!) • Be realistic about your priorities (seriously, double the time you think you need) • Going off-grid to reduce your distractions • No means no • Give yourself a break

3 red flags to avoid when setting deadlines ↳ And exampels of what to do instead ✅ Coming up to every product launch, the pressure is on... This is a critical juncture where decisions can make or break not just the product but your team’s morale. Here's what I've learned to avoid: ❌ Launching a subpar product to meet a deadline It's easy to fall into the trap of deadline-driven development. Rushing out a product to meet an arbitrary date is a surefire way to damage your brand, and disappoint both customers and your team. ✅ Instead, prioritize product quality over deadline rigidity. If the product isn't ready, reassess and reschedule. Quality is the best business plan. — ❌ Penalizing the team for missed deadlines A hard-working team's effort should never be undervalued. Criticism post-deadline can demoralize even the most dedicated employees. ✅ Instead, as a product manager, own the outcome. Take responsibility for the missed deadline and defend your team's effort. Their hard work is a success in itself. — ❌ Ignoring the significance of hitting deadlines While deadlines can be arbitrary, the dedication to meet them is not. Overlooking the accomplishment of meeting a deadline can be a missed opportunity for team building. ✅ Instead, celebrate the achievement. Acknowledge the team's hard work, foster positive morale, and let this success be an example for others. — Remember, as deadlines approach, it's crucial to keep your team's focus and morale high. 👉 Done right, your team can unlock the incredible focus that comes from pushing towards an ambitious deadline. #product #productmanagement #projectmanagement #technology

🚀 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 🚀 🚀 As a program manager, I've found that having the right meetings is crucial for keeping software development projects on track and ensuring team productivity. Here are the 8 must-have meetings that I've implemented with my team, along with key metrics to keep everyone aligned: 1. 📅 𝗗𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗽𝘀   - Focus on progress, challenges, and blockers   - Metrics: Check-ins, Daily Activity, Work in Progress 2. 🎯 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀   - Set sprint goals and align on next steps   - Metrics: Sprint Goals, Sprint Carry Over, Developer Workload, Planning Accuracy 3. 📊 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗹𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀   - Prioritize tasks and objectives for the week   - Metrics: Sprint Progress, Code Health, PR Activity, Deployment Frequency 4. 👥 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀   - Evaluate individual performance and provide feedback   - Metrics: Code Coverage, Pull Requests, Developer Experience 5. 🔧 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀   - Identify and solve complex technical issues   - Metrics: Bug Rate, Incidents Opened, Time to Build, Mean Time to Restore 6. 🔄 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀   - Discuss what went well and what can be improved   - Metrics: Issue Cycle Time, Team Velocity, Work in Progress, Throughput 7. 👔 𝗖𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀   - Align tech strategy with business goals and review KPIs   - Metrics: Investment and Resource Distribution, DORA Metrics, DevEx Score 8. 💬 𝗢𝗻𝗲-𝗼𝗻-𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀   - Discuss personal growth, challenges, and career aspirations   - Focus on building strong relationships rather than metrics By conducting these meetings regularly and tracking the right metrics, I've seen significant improvements in my team's efficiency, collaboration, and overall project success. 🌟 Remember, meetings should be purposeful and help the team make progress. It's all about finding the right balance and ensuring everyone is aligned towards the same goals. 🎉 #softwareengineering #projectmanagement #meetings #metrics

Deadlines. We all need them, but who should set them? The PM? The manager? The team? The CEO? This might require a bit more nuance. First of all, let's set the record straight. Deadlines aren't just about ticking boxes or meeting expectations. They're about accountability, alignment, and achievement. Giving your team the space to lay out their plans is essential for ownership, but there's more to it than simply setting a date. There's this concept known as Parkinson's Law.  Parkinson's Law, created by British historian Cyril Northcote Parkinson in 1955, states that "work expands to fill the time available for completion." This Law suggests that tasks often take all the time allocated to complete. If we let the team decide the whole timeline, and they aren't excited about the goal or they're not fully engaged, they'll finish on-time, but they might leave more slack space than needed. The art of setting effective deadlines is seldom discussed. Leaders, it's time to wield this tool with intention. There isn't a straightforward way to solve this challenge, but it essentially boils down to asking, "How well do I know the team?" One way to answer this is to shake things up with experiments. 🔦 When was the last time you tried some experiments on deadline setting? 🔦 What happens if you suggest a shorter timeline? 🔦 What happens if you push back on the requirements or scope? 🔦 What data is used to build out the timelines? 🔦 Could a bit of health competition shake things up? Teams can work in highly dynamic ways. Are they in need of disruption? This might be the perfect opportunity to shake things up, on the other hand, there are different levers to pull, so maybe just some experiments can help move things in the right direction. Regardless of running experiments, though, you should ask yourself, "Do I know my team well enough to set the deadlines for them?" If not, start there. It's never a mistake to be familiar with your team and their work. Understanding your team's capabilities, aspirations, and the rhythm of productivity that best suits the collective goal is part of the necessary work. If you don't know the team, starting pushing boundaries may not be a great idea. If setting deadlines for your team feels right and you know your team well, consider using deadlines as a compass rather than a clock. Inspiration generally works better than intimidation, so be wise in experimenting. No matter how you approach it, it's important to be intentional. Now, let's go tackle those deadlines!

⛵ Ever wondered how to make big tasks feel like a breeze? 📚 "The Art of Slicing Work" is the perfect snack-sized read 🍿 for anyone looking to sharpen their project chops! This little gem uses relatable examples (think planning a dinner for friends 🍽️) to explain the concept of vertical & horizontal slicing. Trust me, these are ideas everyone should have up their sleeve! ✂️ It’s a fast & jargon-free read that will help you and your team stay nimble and effective. 🏄🏽♂️ Curious? Take a bite and see how these strategies can transform your work & life! 🚀 #ProjectManagement #AgileWorking #QuickReads #ProfessionalDevelopment #BookReview 👉 https://lnkd.in/emV2ecWQ