How to Encourage Supervisors on Meeting Deadlines

Don't let missing deadlines become a habit for any employee.

Supervisors and managers are an integral part of any business team. Supervisors are typically responsible for a specific department or branch of the business as well as those employees that work in that department. Since they are in charge of other employees, supervisors should be role models on the job, going above and beyond the call of duty and always meeting deadlines on time. A few different tactics can be used to encourage your company's supervisors on meeting deadlines, however, if they routinely miss deadlines.

Instructions

1. Monitor the supervisor's progress on the assigned project. Ask him every few days how the project is coming along or ask to see what he's accomplished so far. Checking up on the supervisor can help prevent the supervisor from forgetting about the projects and missing the deadline. Doing this will also help you get a sense of how good of a job the supervisor does of keeping on top of things.

2. Ask explicitly to be updated along the way. Knowing that he will have mini-deadlines and will have to show you part of his work every week or biweekly will help ensure the supervisor stays on top of things. Mini-deadlines also can give you peace of mind that the job is properly getting done.

3. Give compliments to the supervisor regarding his work. Tell him that he's doing a great job on the project so far and to keep up the good work. If the supervisor has a track record of handing in high-quality work on time, say something like, "I have no worries you'll complete this project on time -- you're one of my best employees." Getting compliments will most likely make the supervisor want to stay in your good graces and he won't want to let you down.

4. Be clear about how important meeting the deadline is. Be honest about how vital this project is and what is at stake for the company if it is not completed on time. Stressing the importance of the project can be a scare tactic for the supervisor, reinforcing to him the fact that if he doesn't complete the project on time all of the responsibility will be on him.

5. Motivate with the promise of a reward. If the project or the assignment is a large undertaking or vital to the success of the company, tell the supervisor that you will celebrate after by taking him out to dinner or by giving him an extra paid day of vacation. Incentive is often an effective motivation strategy for any employee.

6. Let the supervisor know that he can come to you for any help or guidance. He's not in this completely alone. Also tell him to be honest with you if he becomes overwhelmed and needs additional resources or assistance to work on the project.

References

• Performance Based Results: "Coaching Employees to Meet Deadlines"; Paul Cherry; 2011
• Freelance Folder: How To Meet Deadlines and Boost Performance
• Zee Associates: How to Successfully Meet Deadlines