Dear Boss,
I just realized today was the deadline for me to get you the final piece for the new campaign that you asked me to make a priority. I unfortunately don’t have the work done, but if it’s any consolation I did finish this other project that won’t create any sales, because I don’t know why exactly.
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Dear Employee,
For some reason, I’m not feeling consoled. I think it’s primarily because the project you did finish doesn’t have any effect on us making money and the project you didn’t finish does. I guess I never specifically said out loud to concentrate first on the projects that have a direct impact on our sales, but let’s make that the policy going forward, whadda ya say?
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Why Your Torture Plan Will Surely Backfire
You prioritized your work at your own expense. Companies are only in business when they make money and tasks that don’t further the company’s sales are typically not the most important. More importantly though, when there’s a deadline you have to meet, alert the powers that be that you need more time. Nothing worse than finding out the day something’s due you won’t be getting it.
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Maybe Try this Instead?
Make sure you know what is a priority and what isn’t. Though one project might be more attractive because you can easily see how to complete it, make sure you finish the high priority items first. Typically we avoid that which is taxing our brain and giving us trouble. Definitely ask for an extension if you don’t see yourself completing the work by the deadline. And if you do find yourself having not met a deadline without having given any advanced warning, it’s best to simply apologize, give an ETA, and get it done asap.