How would you handle a client who frequently requests last-minute changes to a project timeline?

Handle client requests for last-minute changes by empathizing while emphasizing the agreed-upon timeline's importance. Clearly outline the impact on deliverables and resources. Propose viable compromises to meet urgent needs without sacrificing quality. Maintain proactive communication and manage expectations to prevent future occurrences. By blending flexibility with firmness, you uphold professionalism and project success while satisfying client needs.

When the client asks the last- minute changes to a project check weather the asked request is genuine and analyze the request if it's feasible to make changes then communicate with the client about the time line that are agreed with, explain them the time to make changes with

To ensure clients are not making changes that affect projects timelines and budget, it’s critical to have a solid onboarding process. This includes a written agreement and a conversation to reiterate policies and procedures. Please don’t assume that clients know and understand what your boundaries are. It is our job to facilitate that boundary and to create ways to mitigate circumstances that reoccur. For example, if this is reoccurring, add a review call prior to project completion date where you inform clients that changes requested after that meeting will incur additional costs.

Na fase de iniciação do projeto é essencial que haja clareza a respeito do que compõe o escopo, e também do "não escopo", para que expectativas não sejam criadas sobre algo não falado, consequentemente delimitando o tamanho do projeto e ajudando o cliente a ter dimensão do que não é escopo numa situação de alteração durante o andamento.

When you explain how last-minute changes can delay the project or add costs, your client will see the real impact. This helps them decide more carefully and keeps the project on track.

when a client request you to make changes at the last movement, simply communicate properly that it will be tough or time taking task to make changes, also tell them that you really worked hard on the project and they should not do make changes, and if it so important to do changes then ask some time from them and do it effectively, always communicate properly as, This transparency allows the client to understand the consequences of their requests and may lead to more thoughtful consideration before making additional changes.

É importante deixar claro ao cliente quais são os impactos da mudança solicitada, sobretudo no orçamento e no prazo para conclusão. Tendo dimensão dos impactos o cliente irá ponderar a real necessidade da alteração e o impacto na entrega de valor.

This relates to setting boundaries. One part of setting boundaries is outlining the consequences of last-minute changes and their impact on the final deliverable. A key aspect of communication is minimizing exceptions. If we've stated that a sudden change will require three working days to implement, we must strive to keep it to three working days. This ensures clients are not given unrealistic expectations about how quickly changes can be made.

Agree - change rounds depend on scope of work and client approved bid for work. Always have to allow for at least 3 rounds and then it’s time to review.

As a former hotelier, saying "NO" felt taboo to me. While that's not entirely true, it has instilled in me a habit of always providing alternatives to tough decisions or last-minute requests. Often, a last-minute request means something has changed or an issue has arisen. Instead of simply accepting the request, try to understand what caused it. If the client’s last-minute change could help address the problem, but as a subject matter expert, you can offer another solution, always present that alternative. This approach can benefit both parties and demonstrate your professionalism, encouraging the client to trust your expertise and adhere to the agreed-upon work plan.

Diante de solicitações frequentes de alterações de última hora por um cliente, a chave é negociar alternativas viáveis que equilibrem as necessidades do cliente com a viabilidade do projeto. Ao oferecer opções alternativas, você demonstra flexibilidade e compreensão das necessidades do cliente, mas também reforça a importância de aderir a um cronograma que respeite os recursos e prazos. Essa abordagem não só mantém o projeto em curso, mas também fortalece a relação de confiança e colaboração com o cliente, mostrando que você está comprometido em encontrar soluções que beneficiem ambas as partes.

Yes I agree with the offering of alternatives if it's going through, but I'm going to let them know that if they decide there is that next time I will not be able to do this again. So please the next time I will go another way.

One thing I have found helpful is ensuring to recommend any person thats able to handle a job on short notice. There's this misconception that saying NO is a form of failure but instead it's a sign of business maturity. Most companies have learned to refer jobs that they could not do as a form of alliance or avoidance of excessive risk. Refer to someone else if you can't do it

Busque alternativas mais viáveis e práticas que atendam às necessidades do cliente, ajustem o SLA e garantam a rentabilidade do projeto.

Em uma situação de alteração de escopo é importante ter clareza nas tarefas do projeto, não se afastando do objetivo original enquanto trabalha na absorção da mudança, é importante equiparar as tarefas existentes e as novas que serão geradas em detrimento da mudança para definir as prioridades, sempre norteando-se pela entrega de valor. É importante fazer a pergunta: "essa tarefa ou essa mudança me aproxima da entrega de valor do projeto?"

Not all changes are created equal. This is a hard lesson I’ve learned through my experience managing events and projects. Sometimes changes are made simply based on preference; they’re nice to have but don’t significantly impact the final delivery. In these cases, as experts and the ones delivering the outcome, we must weigh the importance of these changes. We need to keep a clear mind and prioritize actions that impact the final milestone and goal. If a change isn't critical, it should be set aside.

Not all changes are created equal. This is a hard lesson I’ve learned through my experience managing events and projects. Sometimes changes are made simply based on preference; they’re nice to have but don’t significantly impact the final delivery. In these cases, as experts and the ones delivering the outcome, we must weigh the importance of these changes. We need to keep a clear mind and prioritize actions that impact the final milestone and goal. If a change isn't critical, it should be set aside.

Revisaríamos el cronograma para avanzar otras tareas mientras se esperar las que faltan, asumiendo que este sea el motivo del retraso o cambio de horario.

Priorize as demandas de acordo com sua importância e trate primeiro aquelas que requerem mais tempo, a fim de evitar atrasos ou violações dos SLAs.

Creating a system for clients to adhere to is not always viable because each client has their own way of working. However, simple alignment in terms of communication is critical. For instance, I always insist that any billing and finance-related changes from clients be communicated via email. For discussions, we use messaging tools. Any changes we talked about and agreed upon will only be implemented if summarized in formal writing, often as a revision of the project plan or a change order I release for the client. These systems or mutual agreements help avoid losing track of important details and ensure alignment, especially when managing an agile project and service delivery with many changes.

Creating a system for clients to adhere to is not always viable because each client has their own way of working. However, simple alignment in terms of communication is critical. For instance, I always insist that any billing and finance-related changes from clients be communicated via email. For discussions, we use messaging tools. Any changes we talked about and agreed upon will only be implemented if summarized in formal writing, often as a revision of the project plan or a change order I release for the client. These systems or mutual agreements help avoid losing track of important details and ensure alignment, especially when managing an agile project and service delivery with many changes.

Implementar um sistema nem sempre é uma opção viável, pois cada pessoa tem suas preferências. No entanto, é crucial alinhar com o responsável as preferências de software para gerenciamento de planilhas, dados e informações cruciais do projeto.

Review the project, determine if you can take it on, communicate your timeframe, specify the risk involved and present to customer. If he's comfortable with it then he will give the go ahead

One way to prevent last-minute changes to a project is to help the client in the initial phase to ensure they truly understand their own goals and limitations. It's one thing to amend a project because new developments have made the initial assumptions outdated. But in many cases, your client will start requesting changes because they have not truly identified all key parameters prior to project commencement. The client may be unaware of their own lack of clarity about the project, but you—as a consultant—must make sure they are clear on what, how, and why they want it done. If you do that as early in the project as possible, they will appreciate it. It will save everyone time and money and build your reputation as a true expert.

Document Everything: Maintain a clear record of all agreed-upon deadlines and changes. This protects you in case of any disagreements and helps manage client expectations.