Negotiating Deadline Extensions
A team member needs to request an extension on a deadline due to unforeseen circumstances or workload issues and discusses it with the project lead or relevant colleagues.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
swamped
Overwhelmed or very busy with too much work; used in casual work conversations to explain delays.
extension
An additional period of time added to a deadline; common in professional settings when requesting more time.
anticipated
Expected or planned for in advance; helps describe something that took more time than planned.
vet
To examine or check something carefully for accuracy; often used in business for reviewing data or reports.
volatility
Unpredictable change or instability, like in markets; useful in discussions about business risks.
downstream dependencies
Later tasks or projects that rely on earlier ones; a business term for how delays affect the overall plan.
timeframe
A specific period of time for completing something; commonly used in project management.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Sarah, do you have a moment? I wanted to chat about the upcoming deadline for the marketing strategy report.
This is a polite way to start a conversation and request time to discuss work issues; useful for initiating professional talks. 'Do you have a moment?' is a common idiom for asking if someone is available.
I'm afraid we might need a short extension on the marketing report, maybe until end of next week?
A soft way to request more time due to problems; 'I'm afraid' softens the request, making it polite. Useful in negotiations for deadlines. The question form invites agreement.
How far along are you currently, and what specific parts are holding you back?
This asks for progress updates and reasons for delays; 'how far along' means current stage, and 'holding you back' explains obstacles. Great for project management discussions to assess situations.
We need more time to vet the data thoroughly to ensure accuracy, especially considering the current market volatility.
Explains the need for extra time with reasons; 'to ensure' shows purpose, and 'considering' introduces additional factors. Useful for justifying requests in detail-oriented work.
Let me check the project timeline and see if that extension would impact any downstream dependencies.
Shows willingness to investigate before deciding; 'let me check' is a polite delay tactic. 'Would impact' uses conditional for hypothetical effects, common in business planning.
I really appreciate you looking into this for us.
Expresses gratitude politely; 'I really appreciate' emphasizes thanks. Use this after someone helps with a work issue to build good relationships.
Keep me updated if anything changes on your end.
Requests ongoing communication; 'keep me updated' means provide regular information, and 'on your end' specifies the other person's side. Essential for team collaboration.