Abstract
In How to Manage Multiple Deadlines on a Small Team, Cynthia J. Young offers actionable strategies for managers leading small teams under tight deadlines. Key recommendations include prioritizing tasks, communicating effectively, delegating wisely, using task management tools, creating a positive work environment, and learning from past projects. The article argues that while challenging to execute, these techniques can lead to increased productivity, goal achievement, and team growth when used skillfully.
The article, ‘How to manage multiple deadlines with a small team’ by Cynthia J. Young, offers practical advice for managers overseeing teams with numerous tasks and tight deadlines, particularly in environments with limited resources (2023). The key recommendations are:
Discussion
Task Prioritization: Identifying which tasks are most urgent and impactful is crucial. Managers should set achievable deadlines and break big projects into smaller parts for better manageability and tracking.
Effective Communication: Keeping the team informed about their duties and timelines is vital. Regular meetings can help share updates and address any issues team members face.
Smart Delegation: Distributing tasks should be based on individual strengths and skills. One important task is ensuring that the workload is very balanced and not overloading your employees by distributing tasks equally among them. This strategy also supports teamwork and mentoring.
Using Task Management Tools: Implementing software for task management can significantly assist in organizing work and keeping an eye on deadlines. These tools often include features for assigning tasks, tracking progress, setting reminders, and sharing files.
Creating a positive work environment. Creating a positive work environment is crucial because it plays a significant role in the team’s ability to cope with multiple deadlines. Recognizing team and individual efforts, giving constructive feedback, and appreciating hard work are vital to keeping the team motivated and open communication lines.
Learning from Past Projects: After completing projects, reviewing what went well and what could be improved is essential. This reflection helps in fine-tuning future strategies and approaches to deadlines.
Conclusion
The article highlights that managing several deadlines with a small team is challenging but also advantageous. Such management enhances overall productivity, helps achieve business goals, and provides opportunities for team development and individual skill enhancement. Implementing these strategies effectively is crucial for successful team management and deadline achievement.
Reference:
Young, C. J. (October 2023). How to manage multiple deadlines with a small team. Industrial
and Systems Engineering at Work. Retrieved from LIRN https://6u11e0zvx-mp02-y-https-www-proquest-com.proxy.lirn.net/docview/2873235255/fulltextPDF?sourcetype=Trade Journals
