You're juggling urgent client projects. How do you decide which tasks to prioritize?

Agreements with each client regarding response time are determined in advance and clients cannot demand more than what is provided in the contract. however, clients have different sizes and types of businesses and critical situations not covered by the contract require non-standard approaches. The assessment takes into account the duration and quality of interaction with the client, his needs at the current moment. The complexity and reality of completing the task and the availability of time for specialists capable of reliably solving this task are analyzed. In any case, we do everything possible and impossible to help as much as possible.

Projects that directly affect a client’s core business operations or have significant implications for their success always get top priority. Ensuring client satisfaction and business continuity is paramount.

When working with a list of tasks, not only the time frame specified by the client is taken into account, but also the complexity of the task, its complexity and impact on other elements of the customer’s system. If, during the study of the problem, a strategic impact of solving the problem on the operation of the client’s system is found, then the speed of decision-making will automatically be reduced and work will be carried out to find an optimal solution, possibly affecting the architecture, or a temporary solution will be found that will create a transit state between the current state of the system plus the solution to the problem, and the future (designed state). Temporary solutions are not accepted for consideration

Meeting deadlines is crucial. Tasks with the nearest deadlines or those that have already seen some delays get prioritized to avoid penalties and maintain client trust.

Resource allocation depends on the urgency of the task and the availability of the specialist supervising the client’s system. In the course of making technical decisions on a task, a preliminary assessment of the need for resources is made and the selection of a team or performer begins. in some cases, the customer’s supervisor can independently close tasks, for example, when there is a clear understanding that it is possible not to stretch out the process, but to immediately get results. The conditions are announced to the client and work on the task begins in parallel.

Efficient resource allocation can make or break a project. I prioritize tasks based on the availability of key resources, ensuring that no time is wasted waiting for the right person or tool.

Risk assessment in the technical part occurs in the process of task analysis by the system curator and the project team. The main risks associated with system performance, data security, and potential failures from the rapid implementation of insufficiently high-quality solutions are assessed along with the current architecture. Sometimes there are situations when the architecture requires changes, so an analysis of the possible impact of changes on adjacent areas of the system is automatically performed.

Projects that pose higher risks if not completed promptly get moved up the list. This includes tasks with potential for significant negative impact or those critical to project milestones.

Cost analysis is performed simultaneously with technical decision making. all possible developments are envisaged and a reserve fund is formed. Some of the risks, as well as costs, can be taken on our own financing in cases where the client is a long-standing and reliable partner.

Sometimes, the financial aspect drives prioritization. Tasks that prevent cost overruns or are linked to immediate revenue generation are given higher priority.

Aligning tasks with long-term strategic goals is essential. Projects that contribute to broader business objectives or pave the way for future opportunities are given significant importance.

Constant communication with clients and team members helps in adjusting priorities dynamically. Flexibility in approach ensures that urgent needs are met without compromising the overall project timeline.

When juggling urgent client projects, prioritize tasks by considering deadlines, the impact on client satisfaction, and project dependencies. Start with tasks that have the nearest deadlines or are critical to project completion. Evaluate which tasks will have the most significant impact on client satisfaction and focus on those. Identify dependencies and tackle tasks that other tasks rely on to avoid bottlenecks. Communicate with clients to manage expectations and ensure alignment on priorities. Use project management tools to track progress and adjust priorities as needed to stay on top of all urgent tasks effectively.

Son muchas las variables a tomar en cuenta a la hora de priorizar tareas o proyectos, pero va a depender en gran medida en la ponderación que se le da a cada una de las variables, la cual en algunos casos se realiza de manera subjetiva, la decisión de cual tarea o proyecto realizar antes que otro.