In my entire professional career of over 5 years, I have never missed a single deadline.

Ironically, as a college student, I may have never kept a single deadline, but I suppose that is a story for another time…

This impeccable record is something I have long held as a testament to my work ethic, perseverance and just overall productivity. I get things done. And that is why I have clients that keep coming back to me. It fills me with immense pride.

However, lately, I have realised that there is another way to read my record. Over my years in the industry, as my workload has been steadily increasing—which has been exponential since I started my own company—I have noticed that there is one other skill I have gained that has kept me from missing a deadline. When I say it out loud, it might sound ridiculously obvious, but I am sure most people are unable to do this. Hell, I’m sure even I wouldn’t have done it a few years earlier.

I simply don’t accept a deadline that seems unreasonable.

Easier said than done, quite often.

Still, one of the most important skills I have built over the past year or two has been the ability to negotiate schedules with clients and coworkers such that the entire process is optimised to the maximum limit from our end.

In any (or at least most) line of business, several processes are interrelated. The dependancy of one process on the other is something that can put a lot of unnecessary pressure on the people who actually have to work to get the things done. At these times, being able to talk to the middle management (sigh) clearly and directly to find a solution that actually works wherein the client does not suffer any losses but you and your team does not work itself to the bone is a vital skill for any leader to have.

Give the client everything you can without sacrificing your long-term health and productivity, not even by an inch. That is how you keep things running like clockwork for years.

Miles to go before I sleep.