Last updated on Jul 13, 2024

You're juggling urgent client projects. How do you decide which task takes top priority?

When you're an account manager, the art of prioritizing becomes your lifeline. You're constantly faced with urgent client projects, each demanding immediate attention. But how do you decide which task takes precedence? It's like a high-stakes game of Tetris, where every move counts, and you need to think several steps ahead. Your clients rely on your ability to manage their needs effectively, making your decision-making skills crucial. Let's delve into how you can navigate these waters, ensuring that you keep your clients satisfied while maintaining your sanity.

Key takeaways from this article

Assess urgency and impact:

Look at deadlines and how missing them would affect your client. Prioritize tasks that have the most immediate consequences, ensuring you address the most critical needs first for maximum efficiency.
Use project management tools:

Leverage technology to organize and track tasks. Employing tools helps you visualize priorities, streamline communication with clients, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks while juggling multiple projects.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Assess Urgency

When multiple projects vie for the top spot on your to-do list, first assess the urgency of each task. Urgency is determined by deadlines and the potential consequences of missing them. If a client has a hard deadline due to an event or a product launch, that task naturally moves up the queue. Communicate with your clients to understand their timelines and weigh the importance of each deadline against the others. Remember, urgency doesn't always mean importance, but it's a critical factor in prioritization.

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Martin Chan, CLMP™

Global Account Leader | Client Retention | Client Relationship Building | Loyalty & Marketing SaaS | Marketing Services | Customer Engagement Strategy | Connecting Brands to Technology and Marketing Services to grow CLTV
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When handling multiple urgent client requests, follow a structured approach: 1. Assess Urgency and Impact: Evaluate deadlines and potential consequences. 2. Understand the Root Cause: Determine if the urgency is due to unforeseen events or poor planning. 3. Consider Client Relationships: Prioritize tasks for key or high-value clients. 4. Review Resources: Assess available resources and dependencies. 5. Premium Service: Charging for expedited work often reveals what truly needs urgency. 6. Communicate Clearly: Inform clients and negotiate timelines when priorities conflict. This approach ensures client satisfaction and operational efficiency by addressing the most critical tasks first.

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2 Client Impact

Consider the impact on your client's business when prioritizing tasks. Projects that significantly affect their revenue or reputation often take precedence. For instance, if one client is about to onboard a major customer and needs your support, this might trump another client's request for a routine campaign adjustment. Gauge the potential benefits or repercussions each project carries and prioritize those with the highest stakes for your client's success.

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3 Resource Availability

Your ability to deliver depends on the resources at your disposal. Evaluate your team's availability and the specific skill sets required for each project. If a high-priority task needs a specialist who's currently tied up with another project, you may need to reassess your priorities. It's essential to balance urgency with practicality; a task might be urgent, but without the necessary resources, it cannot take top priority.

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4 Strategic Value

Some projects offer more than immediate results; they hold strategic value for future business. When deciding on priorities, consider which tasks have the potential to open doors to new opportunities or strengthen your relationship with the client. A project that aligns with your client's long-term goals might deserve more immediate attention, even if it's not the most urgent on paper.

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5 Communication Clarity

Clear communication with your clients is paramount. When determining priorities, keep your clients in the loop. Explain your rationale for the order in which you're tackling tasks and set realistic expectations. This transparency builds trust and can often lead to clients being more flexible with their demands, allowing you to manage tasks more effectively.

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Adrián M. G.

Chief Executive Officer @ Grupo STIVA | MBA, Strategy, Consulting
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To juggle clients and maintain communication clarity, establish clear channels and prioritize tasks using project management tools, while providing regular updates and personalizing interactions! Connections are key. Implement time management strategies, use technology for automation, and make sure to listen to client feedback, all while respecting their time and maintaining transparency throughout the process. Easier said than done. But just do it.

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6 Flexibility Factor

Finally, account for flexibility in both your schedule and your client's expectations. Urgent tasks may arise unexpectedly, and being able to pivot is a valuable skill. Prioritize tasks that leave little room for adjustment and tackle those with more flexibility later. This approach allows you to adapt to changing circumstances without compromising on the quality of your work or your commitments.

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Avdhut Patil, MBA

| Trusted Advisor- C-suite | U.S. & MENA | | LinkedIn Top Voice | Global Strategist | | Healthcare | Fintech | Salesforce☁️ | | HealthTech | Collaborator | IT Services and IT Consulting
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Flexibility is key; I remain adaptable to shifting priorities and unforeseen changes, ensuring critical tasks are completed while maintaining overall project momentum and client satisfaction.💡

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Avdhut Patil, MBA

| Trusted Advisor- C-suite | U.S. & MENA | | LinkedIn Top Voice | Global Strategist | | Healthcare | Fintech | Salesforce☁️ | | HealthTech | Collaborator | IT Services and IT Consulting
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When juggling urgent client projects, I prioritize tasks based on their deadlines, the client's importance, and the potential impact on the project. I assess each task's urgency and significance, ensuring that critical deadlines are met and high-value clients receive prompt attention. Additionally, I consider the potential consequences of delaying each task and allocate my resources to maximize efficiency and client satisfaction.💡

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You're juggling urgent client projects. How do you decide which task takes top priority?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Urgency

2 Client Impact

3 Resource Availability

4 Strategic Value

5 Communication Clarity

6 Flexibility Factor

7 Here’s what else to consider

Account Management

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You're juggling urgent client projects. How do you decide which task takes top priority?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Urgency

2 Client Impact

3 Resource Availability

4 Strategic Value

5 Communication Clarity

6 Flexibility Factor

7 Here’s what else to consider

Account Management

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