If a manager sets an earlier deadline than originally planned, what is an appropriate first step?

• A. Verify the timeline privately with the manager and discuss corrections if needed.
• B. Publicly call out the mistake in a team meeting.
• C. Change the deadline unilaterally without discussion.
• D. Ignore the deadline and proceed as planned.

Answer: (A)

When deadlines shift, the priority is to communicate calmly and confirm the new timeline with the person who set it. The first step is to verify the updated deadline privately with the manager and discuss any impact or constraints. This approach preserves trust, gathers the necessary context, and allows you to understand why the change was made before moving forward. It also sets the stage for a collaborative solution, such as adjusting tasks, resources, or priorities, and then communicating the outcome to the team.

Publicly calling out a mistake can create unnecessary tension and undermine relationships, while changing the deadline unilaterally or ignoring it bypasses essential discussion and planning.