You’re in charge of a team that’s behind on a project deadline. How can you get them back on track?

The reality is that the earlier you find out when you are off track, the easier it is to get back on track. So before you get off track, make sure you understand all the risks to your deadline being met, monitor it regularly, and stamp out those risks before they get to intolerable levels. It's like playing whac-a-mole :)

Rally your team to meet the deadline! Communicate openly - assess the reasons for the delay and discuss solutions together. Prioritize essential tasks and delegate effectively to utilize everyone's strengths. Set realistic milestones and hold regular check-ins for accountability. Offer support and encourage open communication to address any roadblocks. By working collaboratively and focusing on priorities, you can get your team back on track and meet the deadline.

Keep stakeholders informed about the status of the project and any changes to the timeline. Managing their expectations can prevent dissatisfaction and provide more flexibility with deadlines if necessary.

Clear and transparent communication with stakeholders is crucial when managing project delays. Start by informing them about the delay and outlining the steps you are taking to address it. Transparency builds trust and reassures stakeholders that you are in control of the situation. It would be engaging to present a revised timeline that includes new milestones and deadlines, showcasing your proactive approach and commitment to getting the project back on track. This open and structured communication not only keeps stakeholders informed but also demonstrates your dedication to delivering successful outcomes despite challenges.

Projects are scope, time and quality. When your project is off track it's important to remember that you are still always balancing those 3 things. So if you attempt to rally the team to work more hours, you might be increasing time but eventually you will be taking a hit on quality or how much gets done, scope. My advice is to make the hard decision early. If you cannot extend the deadline, or sustainably increase the team velocity to recover, take the hit and reduce scope immediately.

Keep morale high, as a motivated team is more productive. Recognize the hard work of team members, provide incentives for milestone achievements, and ensure that the team's effort is acknowledged.

-First identify what is causing or caused the delay. -Set priority targets from the hardest tasks. -Delegate tasks as per strength of team members with scheduled deadlines -Motivate team on why the need to accomplish those tasks within stipulated timeliness. -Access and review progress of work. -Reward team for a good job done.