Updated September 2026: in June 2020 I had two tasks: solution slides from the onsite team, ahead of client information, and a task from my manager that I judged irrelevant. I prioritised so both were handled without escalation. I have rewritten it into a method for prioritising conflicting tasks without upsetting anyone.
One task came from the onsite team, who wanted solution slides before the client had shared information. The other came from my manager, based on details I felt were out of context. I needed both completed on time, without escalations or follow-ups. I knew my manager's task mattered less, so I parked it until the onsite work was done.
How do you decide which task comes first?
- Client impact: work visible to the client or onsite team usually comes first.
- Deadline: which is due soonest.
- Dependencies: which unblocks other people.
- Effort: quick tasks can be finished first to clear them.
Is it safe to park a manager's task?
Yes, if you tell them. "I'm finishing the onsite slides first, due at 5; your analysis will follow by tomorrow noon" is a plan, not neglect. Silently parking a task risks it being noticed as ignored.
How do you handle work requested before inputs arrive?
Build what is stable: structure, standard content, placeholders for client information. Flag the gaps clearly. It meets the request without inventing details.
How do you avoid escalations?
Communicate priorities early to everyone affected, deliver what you promised when you promised it, and send a short note on completion. Escalations usually come from surprise, not from the order of work.
What if you think a task is irrelevant?
Ask what it is for before deciding. Sometimes a manager's request has context you have not heard. If it still seems unnecessary, say so politely and suggest a lighter version, rather than ignoring it.
How do you keep track of several tasks?
A short list with the requester, due date and status for each, reviewed at the start and end of the day, is enough for most workloads.
What if both tasks are urgent?
Ask your manager to choose, with the facts. If they cannot, do the client-facing one first.