Deadline debate
Quite an interesting debate within the industry has sprung up:
Andy Rutledge says that you never –never –miss a deadline.
Things will not always go smoothly. Bad things happen. Bad clients happen. Accept, however, that none of these common factors are license to behave irresponsibly. When the crap hits the fan it may mean that long hours and extra effort are required in order to meet the deadline. If that’s what’s required, just do it. The alternative does not reflect well on you or your reputation.
On the flip side, Andy Budd respectfully disagrees:
As a project progresses, more information comes to light. Issues will rise up and clarifications will appear. The closer you get to the final solution, the more precise your estimates will become. It’s like looking at a block of marble and imagining the statute enclosed within.
Despite the good response from Budd, I still lean squarely towards Rutledge’s argument: you can and should always hit your deadline. Even if you can justify it as being your clients’ fault, they’ll still remember that you missed the deadline; it’s doubtful they’ll remember their own ineptitudes.
Taking into account that the late policy for this class hasn’t changed, what are your thoughts on the two arguments?
Posted in general design, life |
October 15th, 2007 at 1:15 am
I tend to agree with Andy. Put yourself in the clients shoes; you’re paying for a result, and that result isn’t delivered when you need it. Bottom line, do what you were paid to do. Even though “stuff” happens that is the world we live in. I like the comment about your reputation is on the line. If you had a reputation that you deliver every time you will get much more buisness which means more money. It’s not always what you know but who you know.
October 15th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
I completely agree with Andy. I think that you can’t afford to get your reputation smeared in this industry. Everyone likes a responsible and dependable person and are more likely to use someone with that rep.
October 15th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
For those of you who agree with “Andy,” I might take a second to point out that both chaps have the first name of Andy. Just an observation…. :)
October 15th, 2007 at 9:57 pm
I agree with Randy…
hmm…
if you are such an awsome designer that you can take 6 months past dedline and still get a job, then I would think you got it made either way…
BUT I dont ever seem to get around to things I know I can put off till later…(homework) so you may want to keep with a deadline.
October 16th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
HA HA HA!!!