How to Handle Last-Minute Design Requests Like a Pro
Some people say they thrive on stress and work well under pressure. However, over time, it’s not healthy to be continually driven by the pressure of deadlines or high expectations. How do we continue to do good work under pressure?
Here are some strategies to help plan, prioritise and detect issues:
1
Goal Setting & Prioritising
First up, setting goals and prioritising them is huge. Simply know what you want or need to achieve so you can focus on what matters. Then reorder your goals into what needs attention first.
2
Scheduling
This leads to the importance of having a schedule. While you prioritise tasks, you’ll notice that some require more or less time than others and you can start to allocate time blocks or key dates to have certain things done by. Be sure to consider details within each task that can also consume time, and allow contingency for delays or changes.
3
Time Management Tools
Some kind of Task Management System works like a to-do list so you can check things off, rearrange and update them as the project rolls on. This could be a digital tool like Google Tasks, Monday.com or Asana. There’s so many free and paid services out there to choose from.
4
Block out Time
Practice Time Blocking. By locking down certain hours of the day for different tasks you can help create a structured day that prevents other things from interrupting and taking over. Multi-tasking is not a skill we want to nurture. The Pomodoro Technique is a useful tool you can use to manage your time each day. This system also means you can factor in breaks to reduce stress and avoid burnout.
5
Problem Solving
Proactive Problem solving is really crucial in avoiding a reactive work approach. For example, if you find yourself scrambling to put together a PowerPoint before you’re about to present to an audience, wouldn’t it be better to have a set of pre-designed templates you can simply and easily drop content into? Or have social media templates ready for certain types of content.
6
Clear Communication
Clear, regular communication with your client and colleagues or even a simple update on progress can help avoid misunderstandings, tension or last-minute issues.
7
Learn to Say No
At times, we can’t accept work based on it’s reactive nature. It just might add too much stress or be impossible to achieve in the timeframe. Saying no to a job is not a bad thing. It’s simply being honest with yourself and your client that you’re at capacity and under different circumstances you may be able to help out.
It’s possible to shift from a reactive mode to a more proactive and strategic approach by incorporating these methods. The ultimate goal is to stay in control of work, reduce stress and achieve better work outcomes.
