The Deadline Effect

In Christopher Cox's book, he examines the impact of deadlines on us and how we can use them to achieve success. He argues that most negotiations run right up to the deadline before a deal is struck, but this deadline effect usually results in a worse deal for both parties. Cox shows how the deadline effect can be used to bring about success, rather than failure, by using strategies different workplaces have come up with to embrace the power of deadlines. He also embeds himself in other businesses to see how they meet deadlines that cannot be missed, and argues that excellence and timeliness are not at odds, and the deadline effect can be highly effective.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2022
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

Douglas Adams once famously remarked, "I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by." However, what if there was a way to make deadlines work for you and use them to ensure that others provide you with what you want when you want it? In Christopher Cox's brilliant new book, he delves into the impact of deadlines on us and offers strategies for leveraging them to achieve optimal outcomes for all parties involved. Social scientists have uncovered that most negotiations tend to culminate right up to the deadline before a deal is finally struck. Surprisingly, this deadline effect often leads to worse deals for both parties. Cox, however, reveals how the deadline effect can be harnessed to bring about success rather than failure.

The truth is that we often misconstrue the significance of deadlines. They are not immutable laws of nature but rather a game that we can play and win. This book will showcase the innovative strategies employed by different workplaces to effectively leverage the urgency provided by deadlines. These businesses and individuals are reimagining the deadline effect, discarding the unnecessary stress and chaos associated with last-minute rushes. Drawing from his own experience as a magazine commissioning editor, where coaxing writers to meet deadlines is an art form, Cox also immerses himself in various other industries, such as a ski patrol before the opening of the winter season, to observe how they successfully navigate deadlines that cannot be missed.

Above all, this book serves as a compelling argument for embracing the power of deadlines. When time is limited, individuals become more efficient, focused, productive, and creative. It is a liberating realization that excellence and timeliness are not mutually exclusive, and the deadline effect can be highly effective in achieving desired outcomes. By understanding and utilizing the deadline effect, we can optimize our productivity, enhance our decision-making processes, and foster a culture of accountability and reliability. So, let's embrace the power of deadlines and unlock the full potential of our time and resources.

Weight: 174g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781471190476