Managing deadlines

[bitesthedust]

First time working in a corporate environment, is it normal that I have to remind my manager, my manager’s manager and other colleagues about deadlines? Or are they just crap at meeting the deadlines?

I’m not their PA or adm assistant

I do my part and send them whatever needed on time so they can do their part, it is very clear by when
I have to chase, ask, remind etc otherwise does not get done on time and then it looks like I didn’t do my job properly if the deadline is not met - of course I always cover my back

Is everywhere like this?
Getting fed up

Yes it is normal, you won't be the only demand on their time or a priority. Allow more buffer time in asking for a response, to give you time to react.

Yes, very normal in my experience.

but I dont need anyone reminding me of my deadlines and I also have many demands and pressures from different departments

In one job I spent an inordinate amount of time reminding my director of deadlines. Many of them related to reports for statutory funding so were extremely important.

We had a good relationship but he could be very slippery and would disappear when he didn't want to do something. (On the positive side he was an incredibly good front man and networker which was very important in the job. He just didn't like admin or detail). Anyway, on one occasion I was at my wit's end having also been chasing everyone else. We were hours from the deadline so I just told him to 'go into your office and don't come out until you've finished'.

Couple of months later I had my appraisal (which was a miracle in itself, generally I'd write it and he'd sign it). We talked about statutory reporting and he said I needed to be much more assertive with him about deadlines! I'm not quite clear how I could have been more assertive without doing him physical harm.

One tip, if necessary, lie about the deadline to get a bit of wriggle room.

The more you remind them, the more they rely on you to remind them.

I'd remind them no more than twice then if they don't get it back to you in time and you can't do what you're supposed to do, it's on their head.

You just create a rod for your back otherwise.