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Employees avoid asking for extensions even when they know more time would help them do a better job because unrealistic deadlines don't help anyone. In a series of studies with more than 4,000 working adults, the author shows how managers are more likely to rate employees who ask for extra time as more competent and motivated than they are. She argues that managers should communicate clearly when deadlines are flexible and that employees should not be afraid to ask for extra time if they are unsure.
Studies have shown that deadlines are one of the most difficult parts of the job, and that when we underestimate how quickly we can complete a task, we end up scrambling to meet an excessively tight timeline. This isn't just about being stressed. unrealistic deadlines have been found to have a negative impact on creativity, effectiveness, and overall performance.
