GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Suspense DatesIntroduction Suspense dates are deadlines one both assigns and responds to. Bosses judgeyou, fairly or not, on ability to manage deadlines. Don't let this happen to you:Bos s- - Ba xter’s action was due intoday - - I c an’t re achhim, and no one over there k nowsa ny thing about it.That’s bad news!But why did you wait until thesuspense date to che ck on it?S n o o k E r r d ,N e w A OFigure 8-3. Keep ahead of suspense datesAssigning asuspenseAssigning a suspense date is easy; getting people to react is more challenging.Always monitor actions due in and remind those who are slow to respond.If they don't respond your boss is likely to blame you, not them. If suspecting anagency might not reply on time, remind them of the requirement several daysahead with a fax or call.CautionMeeting asuspenseUnreasonablesuspensedatesYou don't have authority to impose a suspense date on a higher headquarters oroutside agency. So tactfully encourage them to respond: We're trying to getresponses in by the tenth; if you can get it back by then, I'd really appreciate it.If given a reasonable suspense, respond on time. If you need more time--x Don't wait until the last minute.x Ask for an extension right away--more likely to get it.x Provide an interim reply and estimated completion date.Challenge unreasonably short suspense dates, especially on low-priority actions.Someone may be trying to clear his desk before going on vacation. Or he mayhave sat on an action and is trying to compensate for the delay. If this happens,you or your boss should ask the agency to restart the suspense clock.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 8-14