How would you suggest I follow up with coworkers about our deadline that's today?





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So, I'm coordinating an application that an organization I work with will be sending in and there's a few applicants. I've been trying to collect materials over the past few days but getting spotty responses, recruited a new person just yesterday, and now the deadline's today.



I myself am quite nervous, and don't want to project that anxiety onto everybody else. That said, I need to submit this application if we want a chance at the opportunity, but I don't have all the information I need from everybody. How would you suggest I follow up with people to make sure we can get this application in? I have sent an email and text, and now waiting on two replies.



Please let me know of any strategies you've used to coordinate people on a tight deadline — while being respectful of their time as well!










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  • Perhaps it's just me (?) but I find your phrasing hard to follow, too many ambiguous threads that don't appear to be cleaned up by the end of the post...

    – Lamar Latrell
    1 min ago


















3















So, I'm coordinating an application that an organization I work with will be sending in and there's a few applicants. I've been trying to collect materials over the past few days but getting spotty responses, recruited a new person just yesterday, and now the deadline's today.



I myself am quite nervous, and don't want to project that anxiety onto everybody else. That said, I need to submit this application if we want a chance at the opportunity, but I don't have all the information I need from everybody. How would you suggest I follow up with people to make sure we can get this application in? I have sent an email and text, and now waiting on two replies.



Please let me know of any strategies you've used to coordinate people on a tight deadline — while being respectful of their time as well!










share|improve this question









New contributor




user103002 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





















  • Perhaps it's just me (?) but I find your phrasing hard to follow, too many ambiguous threads that don't appear to be cleaned up by the end of the post...

    – Lamar Latrell
    1 min ago














3












3








3








So, I'm coordinating an application that an organization I work with will be sending in and there's a few applicants. I've been trying to collect materials over the past few days but getting spotty responses, recruited a new person just yesterday, and now the deadline's today.



I myself am quite nervous, and don't want to project that anxiety onto everybody else. That said, I need to submit this application if we want a chance at the opportunity, but I don't have all the information I need from everybody. How would you suggest I follow up with people to make sure we can get this application in? I have sent an email and text, and now waiting on two replies.



Please let me know of any strategies you've used to coordinate people on a tight deadline — while being respectful of their time as well!










share|improve this question









New contributor




user103002 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.












So, I'm coordinating an application that an organization I work with will be sending in and there's a few applicants. I've been trying to collect materials over the past few days but getting spotty responses, recruited a new person just yesterday, and now the deadline's today.



I myself am quite nervous, and don't want to project that anxiety onto everybody else. That said, I need to submit this application if we want a chance at the opportunity, but I don't have all the information I need from everybody. How would you suggest I follow up with people to make sure we can get this application in? I have sent an email and text, and now waiting on two replies.



Please let me know of any strategies you've used to coordinate people on a tight deadline — while being respectful of their time as well!







communication team project-management deadlines






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edited 5 hours ago









DarkCygnus

39.8k1887169




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asked 7 hours ago









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  • Perhaps it's just me (?) but I find your phrasing hard to follow, too many ambiguous threads that don't appear to be cleaned up by the end of the post...

    – Lamar Latrell
    1 min ago



















  • Perhaps it's just me (?) but I find your phrasing hard to follow, too many ambiguous threads that don't appear to be cleaned up by the end of the post...

    – Lamar Latrell
    1 min ago

















Perhaps it's just me (?) but I find your phrasing hard to follow, too many ambiguous threads that don't appear to be cleaned up by the end of the post...

– Lamar Latrell
1 min ago





Perhaps it's just me (?) but I find your phrasing hard to follow, too many ambiguous threads that don't appear to be cleaned up by the end of the post...

– Lamar Latrell
1 min ago










3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















8














The strategy I see most often in my line of work (IT), is a bridge call. Schedule a call with everyone who's critical to this deliverable and hash out everything, including:




  • who needs to provide what

  • when they need to provide it (give yourself enough time to compile and submit)

  • any blockers to the above


If there is a management structure where any of the above may need expediting with approvals from someone higher up, reach out to them first. Get their follow-up assistance, and, if needed, agreement to be present on the call to re-iterate the priority.



Most important (after the immediate issue is addressed): try to review the processes that led to the last minute scramble, and do your best to improve the workflow for next time.






share|improve this answer








New contributor




darkside is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





















  • Makes sense and thank you for the clear step-by-step approach! Unfortunately not getting replies to messages so I don't know if I'd be able to schedule a call but trying to do so right now with at least one person!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago



















3














IM and walking to their desk (if collocated) tend to be more immediate methods. Many of us try to steer clear of emailing followed directly by more methods but given the time constraint you have a reason.



"Sorry to pester you over multiple methods, but this is very time-sensitive..."



Work with your boss and or theirs, probably bypassing slower methods if it truly is today you need this out. Briefly lay out to them that this is time sensitive and apologize for the urgency. It may raise questions of why are we only now hearing of this. Whether the opportunity just came up or it was someone's fault, try to save that conversation for tomorrow. The key focus for everyone's sake is to not let this opportunity slide by whilst they bicker over what should have happened.






share|improve this answer
























  • Followed up with them over a messenger and hoping for a response. Definitely thinking this is a conversation to flag for the future in terms of workflow and capacity. Thank you!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago



















3














It's probably too late now, but the situation seems to be that you have a deadline (and submitting applications is one of the few situations where you have actual deadlines), and your friendly colleagues are no help because it doesn't affect them.



You should have started a week earlier. Send out what you need to everyone, and emphasise the importance of that work, and there is a deadline of three days before the application must be finished. Then follow up every day. Three days before your deadline you need to switch to phonecalls or personal visits.






share|improve this answer
























  • I feel like "should have started" is the wrong way to put it. I'm not sure exactly how the second paragraph should start for me to not have an inappropriate gut rejection. Maybe "You should have dramatically increased your requests for input a week earlier"? Different places are different, but in most big company environments I've seen, scheduling permitting, a week to start is not nearly enough time. But it is about when the level of insistence you're recommending is appropriate in most places I've worked.

    – Ed Grimm
    3 hours ago












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3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes








3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes









active

oldest

votes






active

oldest

votes









8














The strategy I see most often in my line of work (IT), is a bridge call. Schedule a call with everyone who's critical to this deliverable and hash out everything, including:




  • who needs to provide what

  • when they need to provide it (give yourself enough time to compile and submit)

  • any blockers to the above


If there is a management structure where any of the above may need expediting with approvals from someone higher up, reach out to them first. Get their follow-up assistance, and, if needed, agreement to be present on the call to re-iterate the priority.



Most important (after the immediate issue is addressed): try to review the processes that led to the last minute scramble, and do your best to improve the workflow for next time.






share|improve this answer








New contributor




darkside is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





















  • Makes sense and thank you for the clear step-by-step approach! Unfortunately not getting replies to messages so I don't know if I'd be able to schedule a call but trying to do so right now with at least one person!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago
















8














The strategy I see most often in my line of work (IT), is a bridge call. Schedule a call with everyone who's critical to this deliverable and hash out everything, including:




  • who needs to provide what

  • when they need to provide it (give yourself enough time to compile and submit)

  • any blockers to the above


If there is a management structure where any of the above may need expediting with approvals from someone higher up, reach out to them first. Get their follow-up assistance, and, if needed, agreement to be present on the call to re-iterate the priority.



Most important (after the immediate issue is addressed): try to review the processes that led to the last minute scramble, and do your best to improve the workflow for next time.






share|improve this answer








New contributor




darkside is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.





















  • Makes sense and thank you for the clear step-by-step approach! Unfortunately not getting replies to messages so I don't know if I'd be able to schedule a call but trying to do so right now with at least one person!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago














8












8








8







The strategy I see most often in my line of work (IT), is a bridge call. Schedule a call with everyone who's critical to this deliverable and hash out everything, including:




  • who needs to provide what

  • when they need to provide it (give yourself enough time to compile and submit)

  • any blockers to the above


If there is a management structure where any of the above may need expediting with approvals from someone higher up, reach out to them first. Get their follow-up assistance, and, if needed, agreement to be present on the call to re-iterate the priority.



Most important (after the immediate issue is addressed): try to review the processes that led to the last minute scramble, and do your best to improve the workflow for next time.






share|improve this answer








New contributor




darkside is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.










The strategy I see most often in my line of work (IT), is a bridge call. Schedule a call with everyone who's critical to this deliverable and hash out everything, including:




  • who needs to provide what

  • when they need to provide it (give yourself enough time to compile and submit)

  • any blockers to the above


If there is a management structure where any of the above may need expediting with approvals from someone higher up, reach out to them first. Get their follow-up assistance, and, if needed, agreement to be present on the call to re-iterate the priority.



Most important (after the immediate issue is addressed): try to review the processes that led to the last minute scramble, and do your best to improve the workflow for next time.







share|improve this answer








New contributor




darkside is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.









share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer






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answered 6 hours ago









darksidedarkside

37914




37914




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  • Makes sense and thank you for the clear step-by-step approach! Unfortunately not getting replies to messages so I don't know if I'd be able to schedule a call but trying to do so right now with at least one person!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago



















  • Makes sense and thank you for the clear step-by-step approach! Unfortunately not getting replies to messages so I don't know if I'd be able to schedule a call but trying to do so right now with at least one person!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago

















Makes sense and thank you for the clear step-by-step approach! Unfortunately not getting replies to messages so I don't know if I'd be able to schedule a call but trying to do so right now with at least one person!

– user103002
6 hours ago





Makes sense and thank you for the clear step-by-step approach! Unfortunately not getting replies to messages so I don't know if I'd be able to schedule a call but trying to do so right now with at least one person!

– user103002
6 hours ago













3














IM and walking to their desk (if collocated) tend to be more immediate methods. Many of us try to steer clear of emailing followed directly by more methods but given the time constraint you have a reason.



"Sorry to pester you over multiple methods, but this is very time-sensitive..."



Work with your boss and or theirs, probably bypassing slower methods if it truly is today you need this out. Briefly lay out to them that this is time sensitive and apologize for the urgency. It may raise questions of why are we only now hearing of this. Whether the opportunity just came up or it was someone's fault, try to save that conversation for tomorrow. The key focus for everyone's sake is to not let this opportunity slide by whilst they bicker over what should have happened.






share|improve this answer
























  • Followed up with them over a messenger and hoping for a response. Definitely thinking this is a conversation to flag for the future in terms of workflow and capacity. Thank you!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago
















3














IM and walking to their desk (if collocated) tend to be more immediate methods. Many of us try to steer clear of emailing followed directly by more methods but given the time constraint you have a reason.



"Sorry to pester you over multiple methods, but this is very time-sensitive..."



Work with your boss and or theirs, probably bypassing slower methods if it truly is today you need this out. Briefly lay out to them that this is time sensitive and apologize for the urgency. It may raise questions of why are we only now hearing of this. Whether the opportunity just came up or it was someone's fault, try to save that conversation for tomorrow. The key focus for everyone's sake is to not let this opportunity slide by whilst they bicker over what should have happened.






share|improve this answer
























  • Followed up with them over a messenger and hoping for a response. Definitely thinking this is a conversation to flag for the future in terms of workflow and capacity. Thank you!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago














3












3








3







IM and walking to their desk (if collocated) tend to be more immediate methods. Many of us try to steer clear of emailing followed directly by more methods but given the time constraint you have a reason.



"Sorry to pester you over multiple methods, but this is very time-sensitive..."



Work with your boss and or theirs, probably bypassing slower methods if it truly is today you need this out. Briefly lay out to them that this is time sensitive and apologize for the urgency. It may raise questions of why are we only now hearing of this. Whether the opportunity just came up or it was someone's fault, try to save that conversation for tomorrow. The key focus for everyone's sake is to not let this opportunity slide by whilst they bicker over what should have happened.






share|improve this answer













IM and walking to their desk (if collocated) tend to be more immediate methods. Many of us try to steer clear of emailing followed directly by more methods but given the time constraint you have a reason.



"Sorry to pester you over multiple methods, but this is very time-sensitive..."



Work with your boss and or theirs, probably bypassing slower methods if it truly is today you need this out. Briefly lay out to them that this is time sensitive and apologize for the urgency. It may raise questions of why are we only now hearing of this. Whether the opportunity just came up or it was someone's fault, try to save that conversation for tomorrow. The key focus for everyone's sake is to not let this opportunity slide by whilst they bicker over what should have happened.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered 6 hours ago









John SpiegelJohn Spiegel

1,684212




1,684212













  • Followed up with them over a messenger and hoping for a response. Definitely thinking this is a conversation to flag for the future in terms of workflow and capacity. Thank you!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago



















  • Followed up with them over a messenger and hoping for a response. Definitely thinking this is a conversation to flag for the future in terms of workflow and capacity. Thank you!

    – user103002
    6 hours ago

















Followed up with them over a messenger and hoping for a response. Definitely thinking this is a conversation to flag for the future in terms of workflow and capacity. Thank you!

– user103002
6 hours ago





Followed up with them over a messenger and hoping for a response. Definitely thinking this is a conversation to flag for the future in terms of workflow and capacity. Thank you!

– user103002
6 hours ago











3














It's probably too late now, but the situation seems to be that you have a deadline (and submitting applications is one of the few situations where you have actual deadlines), and your friendly colleagues are no help because it doesn't affect them.



You should have started a week earlier. Send out what you need to everyone, and emphasise the importance of that work, and there is a deadline of three days before the application must be finished. Then follow up every day. Three days before your deadline you need to switch to phonecalls or personal visits.






share|improve this answer
























  • I feel like "should have started" is the wrong way to put it. I'm not sure exactly how the second paragraph should start for me to not have an inappropriate gut rejection. Maybe "You should have dramatically increased your requests for input a week earlier"? Different places are different, but in most big company environments I've seen, scheduling permitting, a week to start is not nearly enough time. But it is about when the level of insistence you're recommending is appropriate in most places I've worked.

    – Ed Grimm
    3 hours ago
















3














It's probably too late now, but the situation seems to be that you have a deadline (and submitting applications is one of the few situations where you have actual deadlines), and your friendly colleagues are no help because it doesn't affect them.



You should have started a week earlier. Send out what you need to everyone, and emphasise the importance of that work, and there is a deadline of three days before the application must be finished. Then follow up every day. Three days before your deadline you need to switch to phonecalls or personal visits.






share|improve this answer
























  • I feel like "should have started" is the wrong way to put it. I'm not sure exactly how the second paragraph should start for me to not have an inappropriate gut rejection. Maybe "You should have dramatically increased your requests for input a week earlier"? Different places are different, but in most big company environments I've seen, scheduling permitting, a week to start is not nearly enough time. But it is about when the level of insistence you're recommending is appropriate in most places I've worked.

    – Ed Grimm
    3 hours ago














3












3








3







It's probably too late now, but the situation seems to be that you have a deadline (and submitting applications is one of the few situations where you have actual deadlines), and your friendly colleagues are no help because it doesn't affect them.



You should have started a week earlier. Send out what you need to everyone, and emphasise the importance of that work, and there is a deadline of three days before the application must be finished. Then follow up every day. Three days before your deadline you need to switch to phonecalls or personal visits.






share|improve this answer













It's probably too late now, but the situation seems to be that you have a deadline (and submitting applications is one of the few situations where you have actual deadlines), and your friendly colleagues are no help because it doesn't affect them.



You should have started a week earlier. Send out what you need to everyone, and emphasise the importance of that work, and there is a deadline of three days before the application must be finished. Then follow up every day. Three days before your deadline you need to switch to phonecalls or personal visits.







share|improve this answer












share|improve this answer



share|improve this answer










answered 6 hours ago









gnasher729gnasher729

92.4k42163289




92.4k42163289













  • I feel like "should have started" is the wrong way to put it. I'm not sure exactly how the second paragraph should start for me to not have an inappropriate gut rejection. Maybe "You should have dramatically increased your requests for input a week earlier"? Different places are different, but in most big company environments I've seen, scheduling permitting, a week to start is not nearly enough time. But it is about when the level of insistence you're recommending is appropriate in most places I've worked.

    – Ed Grimm
    3 hours ago



















  • I feel like "should have started" is the wrong way to put it. I'm not sure exactly how the second paragraph should start for me to not have an inappropriate gut rejection. Maybe "You should have dramatically increased your requests for input a week earlier"? Different places are different, but in most big company environments I've seen, scheduling permitting, a week to start is not nearly enough time. But it is about when the level of insistence you're recommending is appropriate in most places I've worked.

    – Ed Grimm
    3 hours ago

















I feel like "should have started" is the wrong way to put it. I'm not sure exactly how the second paragraph should start for me to not have an inappropriate gut rejection. Maybe "You should have dramatically increased your requests for input a week earlier"? Different places are different, but in most big company environments I've seen, scheduling permitting, a week to start is not nearly enough time. But it is about when the level of insistence you're recommending is appropriate in most places I've worked.

– Ed Grimm
3 hours ago





I feel like "should have started" is the wrong way to put it. I'm not sure exactly how the second paragraph should start for me to not have an inappropriate gut rejection. Maybe "You should have dramatically increased your requests for input a week earlier"? Different places are different, but in most big company environments I've seen, scheduling permitting, a week to start is not nearly enough time. But it is about when the level of insistence you're recommending is appropriate in most places I've worked.

– Ed Grimm
3 hours ago










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