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What would you do if you have an important business task with a strict deadline, and during work, you realize you are running out of time? What options for solving the problem could you consider within this task?
sobes.tech AI
Answer from AI
- Report the problem immediately. The first step is to inform the manager or stakeholders that deadlines may be missed. It is important to provide a realistic estimate of the new deadline or the extent of the delay, as well as explain the reasons.
- Reassess the scope of the task. Perhaps some tasks can be postponed or simplified at this stage to meet the deadline with the main functionality. This may require negotiations with the business.
- Consider additional resources. If possible, request help from colleagues or temporarily redistribute resources within the team.
- Prioritize functionality. Identify the critically important parts of the task, without which the business cannot operate, and focus on them first. All less priority items can be postponed or done "on a residual basis".
- Optimize the process. Analyze workflows and look for bottlenecks. There may be stages that can be accelerated or automated.
Proposed action plan:
- Gather accurate data on current progress and remaining stages.
- Assess realistic completion deadlines with current resources.
- Prepare arguments for the reasons for the delay (unplanned issues, scope creep, etc.).
- Discuss the situation with the manager/stakeholders, propose solutions (scope reduction, additional resources, deadline extension).
- Agree on a new action plan and deadlines.
- Focus on executing the agreed plan, constantly monitoring progress.
// Example markdown table for tracking progress:
| Task Stage | Estimate | Remaining | Status | Risks |
| :----------------- | :------ | :------- | :------- | :----------------------------------- |
| API Development | 3 days | 1 day | In progress | Unexpected integration issues |
| CI/CD Setup | 1 day | 0.5 days | In progress | Dependencies on external services |
| Testing | 2 days | 2 days | Not started | Critical bugs present |