The Problem with Managing Too Many Projects

At one point, every implementation consultant finds themselves in this predicament:

Managing too many projects, bandwidth is through the roof and you're just trying to keep your head above water.

You’re just trying to get the work done and move on.

When managing multiple implementations simultaneously, you can find yourself swamped with competing projects and priorities. The name of the game becomes survival—keeping your head above water.

The Problem with Managing Too Many Projects

1. You feel burnt out.
2. Your work quality drops.
3. You don’t learn or grow.

And when this happens, you have no time to work on larger company objectives that will advance your career and earn you that promotion (and cha-ching).

So, how does one manage this inevitable scenario?

Well, here are a few tactics I’ve learned over my career to manage an overload at work.

Turn an Obstacle into an Opportunity

Here are simple ways you can take advantage of challenging periods:

1. Shift Your Perspective

Ask yourself: How do you perceive this period? Does it frustrate you? Were you expecting the job to be smooth sailing?

Maturing means realizing that unhappiness often comes from unmet expectations. If you change your perspective and view this period as temporary pain for growth, that shift can set you free. I promise.

Caveat: This doesn’t cover if this is a permanent state. If that’s the case, you should address it with your manager. If that doesn’t work, it might be time to update your resume…

2. Exercise Perseverance and Resilience

This might be slightly controversial, but tough moments are opportunities for growth. Look at this period as a chance to build resilience because that’s exactly what you’re doing.

Every challenge you’ve overcome in your life has made you stronger. And this is no different.

Remember the old adage: Pressure builds diamonds.

3. Reprioritize and Find Efficiencies

Review your existing projects and prioritize. This exercise will help you determine which projects are more important than others.

Let’s be honest, there will be compromises you need to make. Just don’t drop the ball on the most critical projects or tasks.

4. Lean on Support

When you’re carrying too much weight, it’s perfectly to reasonable to ask for support.

For example, if customers reach out to me for product-related questions, I defer them to our Technical Support team, who are more than capable of answering them.

Similarly, I ask other team members to step in and help where it makes sense.

Pro-tip: Step in to help others as well. What goes around, comes around.

5. Showcase Your Work

You are working extra hard during this period. Make sure your manager knows about the effort you’re putting in. I’m going to assume you’re a high performers and they tend to downplay their efforts. Now, you shouldn’t seek pity or praise, but it’s important to tactfully and gracefully communicate your hard work.

Busy periods are expected at any startup or company. So your bandwidth will rise and fall at different stages of the year. And while it may be difficult, remember that it’s temporary. With the right framework, you can come out better and stronger at the end of it.