WHEN YOU MUST TELL YOUR BOSS THAT A PROJECT WILL BE LATE


	It's hard to face your manager with the news that your group 
will be unable to meet a deadline you've committed them to.  The 
delay may be your fault--an inaccurate estimate, a poor plan, a bad 
choice of personnel--or it may be something out of your control, such 
as illness, an accident, or an unforeseeable delay in receiving 
materials.

	Whatever the reason, try not to get caught up in feeling guilty 
or angry.  Giving in to those feelings can distract you from your goal 
of getting the work finished.

	Here are some guidelines that can help you minimize the 
damage and get back on track:

	1.  ALERT YOUR MANAGER EARLY.  If you keep a time-line or 
progress log, you'll know when a project is slipping behind schedule.  
When you know that you can't easily make up the time, alert your 
manager so she'll be aware of the potential impact on other projects 
and can begin considering alternatives.

	2.  MEET WITH HER WHEN THE DELAY IS UNAVOIDABLE.  At 
that meeting, tell your manager clearly and in concrete terms exactly 
how far along the project will be on the due date.  Then tell her how 
much additional time you'll need to complete the work as it was 
originally planned.

	3.  EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM.   State clearly and briefly why the 
project is in trouble.  Your manager will need to understand the 
reasons for the delay so she can evaluate potential solutions, but she 
doesn't need to hear you babble excuses or beat your breast.  If you 
feel it's appropriate to say "I'm sorry for the difficulties this delay 
may cause you," saying it once will be sufficient.

	4.  RECOMMEND A LOGICAL COURSE OF ACTION.  Potential 
solutions may involve scheduling overtime, hiring temporary help, 
extending the deadline, or changing the extent of the project.  If 
there are several good options, describe each.  Then explain which 
one you believe is best, and why.

	If your manager suggests or selects a different course of action 
than the one you prefer, be cooperative.  It's okay to ask the reasons 
for her decision, but make it clear that you're asking so you can 
better understand how to carry out her instructions--not because 
you want to argue about her choice.

	5.  PLAN PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR THE FUTURE.  At the 
conclusion of your discussion, share with your manager any ideas 
you have about keeping this kind of problem from happening again.

	6.  TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DETAILS OF RESCHEDULING..  
Tell everyone affected by the changes what the new schedule is and 
what his or her role will be.  To avoid confusion, it's best to do this in 
writing.  Offer your assistance in handling any inter-group problems 
caused by the delay.  If it's practical, you could also volunteer to help 
other groups with their part of the additional work.

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