What do you do if your client is pushing for unrealistic project timelines?

En primera instancia, lo invitaría a participar en una reunión de planificación, a fín de que pudiera conocer los procesos desde adentro y entender el por qué del cronograma del proyecto. Si después de ésto, insiste en acortarlo, la ofrecería dos alternativas, la primera, aumentar el coste para la contratación de más personal para cumplir con los plazos reducidos; la segunda, acotar el alcance del proyecto para que, con el mismo personal y el mismo coste, sea posible cumplir con su propuesta de cronograma.

Upon clear understanding of the client requirements it is essential to communicate the accurate details with regards to timelines, service levels, expected results. What your client can expect and setting of realistic expectations is crucial and base for the on going relationship with thd client.

Be flexible to accommodate to the client needs as long as you can fulfill the requirements as to speed and quality. In line with client expectations. But only after setting and convying the realistic expectations.

be prudent in establishing or accepting the deadlines for the various phases, especially evaluating the critical issues of your suppliers and even those of third parties. Don't be afraid that postponing deadlines could cause the project to fail but rationally explain the technical, commercial and context-related aspects for which it is better to postpone such deadlines. Always keep a margin especially for new jobs or phases dependent on third parties. Do not accept contractual penalties on these points on which you could still appeal due to force majeure.

Good communication leads to good rapport. Be open and honest about the factors at play, the things in your control, the things outside. Be open and supportive in attitude, understand your clients needs but also be realistic and pragmatic in your advice

Here's what you can do: 1. Communicate & Explain: - Thank the client for their ambition, but explain the current timeline reflects the work required for a quality project. 2. Break Down Tasks: - Briefly outline key project phases & their time needs. This shows the complexity and justifies the timeline. 3. Offer Options: - Present alternative solutions: prioritizing features, adding resources (if feasible), or adjusting the deadline with trade-offs. 4. Focus on Benefits: - Emphasize how a realistic timeline ensures a better final product, reduces rework, and avoids burnout.

Above all, always thumb rule for committing to client expectations is never over commit and under perform , only commit those requirements which passes the test of realistic expectations which you can fulfill.

In a very diplomatic manner make thr client understand that its easy to say yes to unrealistic deadlines but the same will result in errors or situations which will be difficult to control at the end. Thx