We are overwhelmed by competing demands for our attention, largely because we hate to say No to co-workers and worry about refusing managers or senior stakeholders.
But is there a way to have it all? A semblance of a life plus brownie points with co-workers, appreciation from managers and thumbs up from stakeholders?
Yes.
(Not always, but often.)
The secret? Manage expectations
Too often we assume that a task is set in stone when actually it has flexibility. Requesters sometimes ask for more than they need in order to try and accommodate expected delays and imperfection. A bit of gentle probing may yield a perfectly acceptable ‘Yes, but’ or ‘Yes, if’ instead of a flat Yes/ No.
- Timeline: Can you get a few more days?
- Scope: Is the entire thing necessary right away? Can you complete one part by the set date and another part later?
- Resources: Can you get more people/ budget?
- Prioritisation: Is it more important than other things?
Now you can sequence your work so everyone is (mostly) happy.
Stakeholder satisfaction is a function of expectations and outcomes. Set the right expectations and you will more easily deliver satisfying outcomes.
