Work
How to tell your boss you’re behind on a deadline
You’re talking to Owen, your manager. The client report is due Friday. You’re about two days behind, and Owen still thinks it’s on track. The goal: say you’re behind, what’s done and what’s left, what you need, and a new date you can hit.
Your first line
Owen starts with “Hey, perfect timing. The client report is still on track for Friday, right?”
“Actually, no. I’m about two days behind. It’s 60% done because the sales data came in late, To hit Friday, I need help with the charts. Otherwise I need until Tuesday.”
Point first: you say you’re behind before anything else, then what’s done, why, and what you need. No backing into the truth.
What Owen might say, and what to say back
Owen: “Wait, why am I only hearing about this now?”
You: “That’s fair. I should have flagged it Monday. I’m telling you now so you have time to plan.”
Owen: “The client is expecting it Friday.”
You: “I know. With help on the charts, I can hit Friday. If not, the summary and numbers Friday, and the charts Tuesday.”
Owen: “Can’t you just put in some late nights and get it done?”
You: “I’ll put in extra time, but it won’t close two days. Help on the charts tomorrow would, and we check in Thursday.”
Two things that trip people up
- Saying “Yeah, it’s on track” first, then backing into the truth.Say you’re behind in your first sentence, with what’s done and what’s left.
- Blaming the team or the data, with no plan.Give one short reason, one specific ask, and a new date with a check-in.
Now say it out loud
Reading the words isn’t the same as saying them. Practice this one with Owen pushing back like the real person would. Then your coach, Rae, fixes your exact words. The move to focus on: Point first.
Practice this one free3 free reps a day. No sign-up. Out loud or typed.