subject: How To Stay Calm In Face Of Tight Deadlines [print this page] One of the biggest causes of stress in the workplace comes from having upcoming deadlines for tough or large projects. When you know that your boss is expecting something done soon and it just isn't quite there yet - That can induce quite an influx of stress hormones.
Yet stress from deadlines can also be one of the easiest kinds of stresses to relieve. Here's how.
==> Know the Price Before You Say Yes
The first step to relieving deadline-related stress actually starts before the project is even assigned.
Often time's deadline-related stress doesn't actually come from the deadline or the project, but from the fact that the scope of the project wasn't realistic for you to take on in the first place.
If you already have a lot on your plate, taking on a new project might actually be irresponsible. You won't be able to give it your full attention; and you'll be immensely stressed out.
In other words, you need to know exactly what the project will take and what you already have on your plate before you can even accept a project.
Get clear on exactly what you need to do in the upcoming week. This will help you be able to determine exactly how much work you can responsibly take on.
==> Map Out All Your Tasks By Time
Let's say today is Monday and your project is due on Friday.
If you think about the project as "due on Friday," it'll seem extremely stressful. Since you view the whole project as a huge bundle of tasks, it'll seem very daunting to try and get all of that done in time.
Instead, whenever you have a big project looming, start by breaking down the tasks by time.
So map out exactly what you need to have done by Monday, then Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
The more specific you can make your tasks, the better. Instead of "design brochure," try to break it down into:
* Talk to Marsha about the content.
* Get images for brochure from Ben
* Do the layout
* Talk to print department about the print schedule
* Confirm the order
The more you can break down the tasks, the less daunting they'll seem.
==> Delegating or Ask for Help
Finally, learn to delegate or ask for help when necessary.
If you have subordinates, make sure you delegate with clear instructions. Make sure that everyone on the project knows the project's ultimate objectives and does their best to bring the project to completion.
If you don't have people working for you and you find yourself swamped, you'll have to do it the old fashioned way: You'll need to ask others for help, even if you don't necessarily have authority to "tell" them to do things.
Learning to ask for help when you're swamped can help you in many, many ways. Start by building relationships with others in your workplace before you need anything from them. That way, when you do need a favor, you'll have friends at hand.
In short, to defeat deadline stress, start by knowing what's on your plate and what's realistic for you to take on at all times. Whenever you have big project, break them up into smaller tasks. If you find yourself inundated, learn to ask for help.
