What do you do if your ERP career growth is hindered by unrealistic deadlines?

I honestly don’t think that once career growth will be hindered by one or two aggressive timelines slippages! But, agree that, typically, ERP programs are on a tight time table, and individuals may get stressed out. It’s important for management to convey that it’s the team work, that ensures success! Even for individual assignments do leverage your seniors and juniors to accomplish the task. My experience is- teams which talk frequently, lean on each other, are always happier and they get the job done.

Have prioritization sessions with the stakeholders. Also, do have an agreement on the scope of work. If there should inflight scope added to the current schedule, empower teams to re-prioritize and / or agree for the new scope items to be delivered later or added to the backlog. Always communicate the priorities in advance for better transparency between teams

Expectation management is a key skill that ought to be implemented in an erp engagement. The stakeholders should be made aware of the quantum of work that is involved and reasons as to why everything cannot be met should be clearly communicated. It is not just about configuration, a typical implementation will entail customizations, integrations and hence some requests for quick turnarounds might be impossible. Itemize the processes, prioritize them and present it to the stakeholders with a plan as to when the entire gamut of things would be delivered. This will ensure no compromise is done on quality.

Following steps can be considered: Communicate Clearly Prioritize Tasks Set Realistic Expectations Negotiate Deadlines Delegate and Collaborate Document Challenges Seek Support

When faced with unrealistic deadlines in your ERP career, the initial step is to objectively assess the situation. Consider the project scope, available resources, and time required for each task. Understanding the gap between expectations and feasibility enables you to construct a compelling argument for why deadlines should be reconsidered. Communicate your findings to stakeholders with data-driven information to support your case. This proactive approach demonstrates your commitment to quality and may lead to more realistic expectations.

Effective prioritization is key when managing tight deadlines in ERP projects. Identify which tasks are critical for project success and allocate your time accordingly. Sometimes, this means having frank discussions with your manager about what can realistically be achieved within the given timeframe. By focusing on the most impactful aspects of the project, you demonstrate strategic thinking and ensure your efforts align with business objectives, which can be beneficial for the growth of your career.

Negotiation is a vital skill in any career, particularly crucial when dealing with unrealistic ERP project deadlines. Approach your manager or project stakeholders with a proposed plan outlining a more achievable timeline. Be prepared to explain how this new schedule will lead to better outcomes and align with overall business objectives. Effective negotiation can not only help manage current deadlines but also set a precedent for future projects, aiding in career progression.

One way to tackle the challenges of unrealistic deadlines is to continuously improve your ERP skills. Staying updated with the latest technologies and methodologies can enhance your efficiency, enabling you to meet tight deadlines more effectively. Consider undergoing additional training or certifications that can help you work smarter. By enhancing your skill set, you also become a more valuable asset to your team, potentially opening up more growth opportunities despite deadline pressures.

Creating a support network within your organization can help mitigate the impact of unrealistic deadlines on your ERP career. Seek out colleagues who understand the complexities of ERP systems and can provide insights or share the workload during critical times. Having allies who can vouch for the challenges of meeting certain deadlines can also be influential when negotiating timelines with management. A strong support network can also offer mentoring opportunities and help you navigate professional development pathways within the field.

Finally, utilize feedback as a tool for growth in your ERP career. After completing a project, whether on time or not, gather feedback from all stakeholders. This can highlight areas for improvement and showcase your strengths. Use this information to refine your approach for future projects and advocate for more realistic timelines. Continuously learning from the outcomes of each project will not only enhance your performance but also demonstrate your commitment to excellence, which is essential for professional advancement.

Don't stay quiet - Assess the situation and gather data to understand what options there are. As with all project management challenges, you can fix two of Time, Scope and Quality. Never all 3. If Time is fixed and in many cases quality is non-negotiable, the only variable to play with is scope.

Professional growth is a continuous process, a sum of successes and failures, always doing things, never stop. Talk to your team or superiors about the established deadlines and propose realistic solutions. This will allow you to prioritize activities according to their impact on the company's objectives and your professional growth. In any case, consider that tight deadlines can be an opportunity to prove yourself, so test your skills and abilities.