To ensure project success in Marketing Operations when a key team member is missing deadlines, first, address the issue directly by having a one-on-one conversation to understand the underlying reasons for the delays. Offer support and resources, such as time management training or workload adjustments, to help them get back on track. Implement clear project timelines and milestones, and use project management tools to enhance visibility and accountability for all team members. Foster a collaborative environment by encouraging open communication and regular check-ins, which can help identify potential roadblocks early on.

Beyond having an honest 1x1 conversation with the team member missing deadlines to understand cause —make sure to take a few extra steps to protect the project: 1) document casually or formally the risk reflective of why the team member is missing deadlines 2) draft some mitigation ideas specific to the risks above 3) keep “on the shelf” and if deadline missed again, enact one or more of the mitigation plans One missed deadline, understand the reason and okay. Missing another deadline for similar reason, must change the plan.

To ensure timeliness/success for any Marketing Operations project, try the following: 1. Ensure there is a clear timeline from the start. This should be documented and reviewed with the team member(s) that will be involved with the project. This way, there can be none of the 'I didn't know the expectations' conversation. 2. Segment the project into smaller, more achievable tasks. Too often team members get overwhelmed with the larger goal and cannot focus on the digestible day-to-day or week-to-week tasks. 3. Be transparent. Let the team member know that missed deadlines are not acceptable but you're here to help. Try a dedicated plan for the respective team member (to fit their working style). This can boost morale and lead to success

In many cases, we can start by giving them a week before the deadlines, so we are prepared. Most of the time, key members may have issues with work or personal problems, so it's helpful to give them a break or assign them to different tasks. If their performance still isn’t satisfactory after that, have a conversation with them to see if they’re comfortable discussing the issue. If needed, offer them a day off to clear their head. This approach works for me; it might work for you too.

I would first have a one-on-one talk to learn about any difficulties the important team member may be having and to provide support before addressing the issue of their missing deadlines. I would then review the project schedules and, if needed, reassign jobs to make sure that the burden is reasonable and the deadlines are accurate. Along with encouraging open communication among the team members, I would also establish frequent check-ins to track progress and hold everyone accountable. In order to ensure that everyone on the team works together to complete the project successfully, I would like to stress the value of cooperation once again and encourage the group to share resources and ideas.