A deadline is time limit, cut-off date or target date by which a goal or a promise must be achieved or delivered. In the absence of a deadline, people generally relax and nothing gets done. In some instances the whole goal is forgotten as there is nothing to probe the people or spur them to achieve.
A good target has the following characteristics
Realistic - The one giving the deadline must assess carefully and judge what is appropriate for the one he/she is instructing to do the work. You cannot expect an overnight answer and completion of project that requires coordinating and traveling long distances. It is not always about distance but complexity of the project at hand. People will not attempt where they perceive failure. They will not even start the process where it seems like the superior is pulling rank and being unreasonable. Do not settle scores through unrealistic deadlines.
Clear & Specific - A deadline which is not specific can be missed easily. Avoid such deadlines as “I need this towards month-end or in the last quarter”. This leaves the subordinate or employee more confused as to what exactly this means. Rather specify, “you have 3 months to do this. I want the final report on the 1st of October by 9am.
Firm - It is one thing to be clear and specific and yet another to be resolute and firm about the project. People need to realize that once it is set, there could be room for appeal but the leader has to be firm so as not to shift the deadline all the time.
Futuristic – There is no deadline set in the past. Whether it is going to be the very same day or after two years, a deadline must be mentioned as something in the future.
Linked to goals - a deadline is useless or incomplete without the goal which must be achieved. You can not mention just a date and expect to know what has to be done. An example of a deadline is “Peter, can you prepare the monthly financial and submit them to me on Friday, 12noon.
Associated with a reward - It is usually encouraging for people to know that if they meet deadlines they will be acknowledged and rewarded for that. Acknowledgment can range from a simple “Well done, we notice you beat the deadline by two days”, to notices or official publication on boards. Rewards can be gifts or certificates. Acknowledgment and rewards encourage people to work towards something.
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