If you’re a product manager juggling multiple team deadlines that seem overly optimistic, you’re not alone. Chances are, a few things went wrong earlier that led to this situation. I've been there, and I know it can feel overwhelming.

But instead of getting stuck, let’s rewind about six months and think about how you can avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.

Step 1: Preserve Team Autonomy Over Delivery Dates

One of the most critical things you can do is safeguard your team’s autonomy over delivery dates. In a corporate environment, especially with many specialized teams controlling specific parts of the value chain, this can be a real challenge. However, it’s essential. You will need the support of management to pull this off effectively.

A key aspect is reducing external dependencies. Ensure that your team has all the skills needed to deliver without having to rely heavily on external teams. For instance, if you require legal approval, why not integrate legal into your team? Allocate a portion of their time at the beginning of your initiative. Involve them in relevant meetings without wasting their time. This way, decisions are made within the team, rather than waiting weeks for approvals that can block progress.

Step 2: Embrace the Unpredictability of Product Innovation

Product innovation is inherently unpredictable, and it's crucial to help stakeholders understand this reality. Many are used to more routine business activities and may have difficulty grasping that even with thorough analysis, a delivery date forecast is still just a forecast—not a promise.

Instead of fixating on exact deadlines, focus on providing your stakeholders with clarity that their needs are being taken seriously and won’t be neglected. Communicate proactively and transparently. Let them know where their requests stand in your backlog, and while you might be able to offer a rough timeframe, such as “October-November,” resist the urge to commit to precise deadlines.

Unless, of course, you’re in an industry where deadlines are non-negotiable. Take the example of Christmas markets: if that’s your business, stick with what works and make small adjustments rather than overhauling the entire system. You might introduce a few new products, but be sure to keep delivering those tried-and-true biscuits that have been selling for years—and make sure they’re ready on time.

Step 3: Quick Fix for Today’s Deadlines

Now that you're already in the midst of juggling deadlines, here’s a quick fix: be as transparent as possible about your current situation. Don’t overpromise or commit to unrealistic dates, as that will only make things worse.

Instead, rely on classic project management techniques to get through this, while keeping an eye on preventing similar issues in the future. This means prioritizing tasks, balancing resources, and making smart trade-offs when needed.

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Takeaway: Balancing multiple deadlines is a challenge, but it’s often a symptom of deeper issues. By focusing on preserving team autonomy, reducing external dependencies, and helping stakeholders understand the uncertainty in product development, you can avoid getting stuck in the same cycle next time. And in the short term, transparency and solid project management are your best friends.