It happens to the best of usmaybe accounting didn’t get you the numbers on time.
Maybe the design work you thought would take you four hours is taking more like 14.
Maybe Taco Tuesday turned into Food Poisoning Tuesday, and you know you won’t make your deadline.
This post originally appeared onThe Muse.
As a writer and an editor, I’ve unfortunately been on both sides of the missed deadline dilemma.
Can I turn it in next week?"
Can I extend the deadline from next Friday to the following?"
In fact, most people will be perfectly happy to extend a deadline when given a good reason.
Will it screw up your timing if I deliver the draft tomorrow?
If so, I’ll crank it out tonight.
If not, I’d so appreciate an extension and will have to you tomorrow!"
A vast majority of the time, I’m happy to oblige.
Similarly, you’ve got the option to always offer to deliver the finished portion of the work.
No need to wax poetic, but a simple, “I really appreciate you making this exception.
It won’t happen again” goes a long way.
Also, pick a new deadline and stick to it.
Instead of a vague, “Can I have an extension?”
try, “Could I get the report to you by Tuesday instead?
It’ll be in your inbox by 5PMhopefully sooner.”
And then, you know, see to it it happens.
When my always-reliable writer asks for a one-time extension, I’m more than happy to rearrange things.
When people turn things in late regularly, it gets harder and harder to give them a pass.
Stick to that date, and you’ll always be safe.
Even if you, you know, come down with food poisoning.
Image byDooder(Shutterstock).
Want to see your work on Lifehacker?
