Try as you might, your team won’t always succeed in finishing every task or project on time. When that happens, it’s your responsibility to inform your own manager of the delay. Here’s how to do it with minimal risk to you and your staff:
• Alert your boss as soon as possible. You can usually tell ahead of time when a project is dropping behind schedule. Give your manager as much notice as you can so nobody is caught off guard and so you can both begin making whatever alternative arrangements you can.
• Explain the problem clearly. Let your boss know what’s causing the delay and when you expect the work to be completed. Don’t offer flimsy excuses or scapegoat others. Stay calm, and concentrate on fixing the problem.
• Recommend alternatives. Don’t go to your boss without at least one good idea for resolving the situation. If he or she has a different course in mind, don’t fight it; but do try to understand the reasons behind it so you can make a better decision next time.
• Plan for the future. Discuss with your manager how you can avoid experiencing similar delays and other problems in the future.
• Take responsibility in getting things done. Communicate what needs to be rescheduled with the rest of your team. Be willing to explain to other departments what’s happening and why. If at all possible, pitch in and help your people with any of the extra work involved.
—Adapted from the Hard@Work website