How do you manage your workload so that you can meet tight deadlines?

"As a project manager, I am accustomed to balancing multiple projects with similar deadlines. As a visual learner, I have to write everything out on a physical calendar in my office, as well as maintain a tidy digital calendar to share with essential members of each project. This way, I can visualize the deadline and prioritize complex larger tasks. I used this method recently to schedule and roll out our organization's new mobile application."

"I believe in keeping a steady flow of manageable work to slowly inch towards a goal or deadline and give myself a few days of wiggle room to account for any setbacks or delays. In my experience in the nonprofit world, I have learned to expect the unexpected. Recently, I was preparing an accounting report for a semiannual audit and simultaneously managing a reworking of our direct deposit system. When the auditor showed up five days earlier than expected, I had to adjust my timeline. Because I gave myself a few additional days to complete the direct deposit project, I was able to pause and meet the auditor's request immediately."

Share the strategies you employ to meet tight deadlines. Then, talk about one or two situations in which effective time management resulted in the completion of an essential project or task by the deadline.

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