Supervisor Foundations · Lesson 2.5
DEADLINES, PRIORITIES & FOLLOW-UP
A task without a deadline may not feel urgent.
A deadline without priority may still create confusion when several tasks compete.
Supervisors should communicate:
- when the task is needed
- how urgent it is
- what should be delayed if necessary
- when progress should be reported
- when early warning is expected
Poor
“Finish everything today.”
Better
“The customer complaint is the first priority. Please respond by 11:00 a.m. The inventory update can be completed this afternoon.”
WORKPLACE EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
An employee has three assignments due the same day.
The supervisor says all three are “urgent.”
The employee still does not know what comes first.
EXAMPLE 2
A hotel guest is waiting for a room issue to be resolved while the employee is completing a routine filing task.
BETTER RESPONSE
EXAMPLE 3
A report is due Friday.
By Wednesday, the employee knows key information is missing.
BETTER RESPONSE
EXAMPLE 4
A school event is approaching.
Several tasks must be completed in sequence.
BETTER RESPONSE
Remember
Priority is not just about which task was assigned first.
It is about impact, urgency and dependency.
Workplace action
When assigning multiple tasks, clearly state: “If these compete, do this one first.”
Quick Check
An employee has two tasks and cannot complete both on time. What should the supervisor have made clear?