If you’ve been in a creative field long enough, you probably know some clients underestimate the time and effort that go into producing quality work. Sure, it’s tempting to accommodate their request. But rushing creative work often leads to compromised quality, unnecessary stress, and results that don’t meet your own standards. So today, we’ll focus on how to deal with someone who has unrealistic expectations.
I’ve been there many times before and learned the hard way that rushing never produces my best work.
When I review rushed projects, I often find issues I wish I had taken the time to fix. If I’m lucky, I can go back and tweak things, but in most cases, I just have to live with the fact that I didn’t deliver my best.
Good creative work takes time. It requires research, strategy, and refinement.
When you rush, these things happen:
Mistakes slip through – Typos, inconsistencies, and overlooked details become common.
Creativity is stifled – Rushing often leads to generic, uninspired results.
Client satisfaction drops – Even if you meet the deadline, a poorly executed project won’t get the results your client expects.
Your reputation takes a hit – Consistently delivering rushed work can harm your credibility over time.
The reality is that clients don’t always see the behind-the-scenes effort it takes to produce quality work. They see the finished product and assume it’s quick and easy.
That’s why it’s crucial to set clear expectations from the start. Here are tips to manage client expectations while maintaining high-quality output.
Present Clients with Two Options
One of the most effective ways to handle clients who demand quick turnarounds is to offer them a choice. Instead of flatly saying, “I can’t do that,” give them two realistic options:
A properly timed version with guaranteed quality – Explain that the project will be completed within a realistic timeframe, ensuring a high-quality outcome that meets their objectives.
A rushed version with no guarantees on quality – Let them know that if they insist on an extremely tight deadline, you can try to deliver on time, but the quality may not be what they truly need.
This approach puts the decision in the client’s hands but subtly steers them toward the better choice. Most people will opt for the proper timeline. And even if they still push for speed, they’ll do so with the understanding that perfection is unlikely under rushed conditions.
You’re essentially shifting the conversation from an unreasonable demand to a professional discussion about quality and expectations.
Remember, You’re the Expert
You bring skill, insight, and maybe years of experience to the table. Clients hire you because they lack the expertise (or time) to do what you do.
Always remember this because if you’re not careful, you might fall into the trap of constantly accommodating rushed requests—which is a lose-lose situation.
When clients push for speed, remind them that quality creative work requires time, strategic thought, and refinement. Be confident in your expertise and assert the timeline you know is necessary to do a great job.
I’ve found that when I stand firm and explain why certain tasks take time, clients respect my judgment more. It also shows them that I’m committed to delivering excellence.
Break Down Large Projects into Manageable Chunks
One of the biggest reasons some clients have unrealistic deadlines is that they don’t see the step-by-step process behind creative work. To them, the final product seems like something that can be quickly assembled.
A good way to manage both your workflow and client expectations is to break down the project into clear phases. Instead of just telling the client the final deadline, outline the key steps involved, such as:
Research & Planning – Gathering information, brainstorming, and outlining ideas.
First Draft or Prototype – Creating the initial version of the work.
Review & Refinements – Making adjustments based on feedback.
Final Touches & Delivery – Ensuring everything is polished and ready for submission.
This way, the client can see the big picture.
Clarify the Core Objective Before Starting
Some clients request rushed jobs but don’t provide enough details to ensure the deliverable will be good to go the first time.
And nothing wastes time more than doing unnecessary work because the project’s objectives weren’t clear from the start.
Before committing to any deadline, take a moment to ask key questions, such as:
What is the ultimate goal of this project?
Who is the target audience?
What key elements are non-negotiable?
Are there any reference materials or examples that clarify expectations?
This not only helps you deliver a better result but also prevents last-minute revisions due to misunderstandings. A simple pause at the beginning can save hours of back-and-forth later.
Prioritize and Avoid Multitasking
When facing an unrealistic deadline, it’s tempting to multitask—juggling different aspects of a project simultaneously to speed things up.
However, multitasking often does more harm than good. Because your brain is constantly switching between tasks, leading to more mistakes and lower-quality work.
A better approach is to prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency.
Tackle each key component individually, giving each your full attention. That will lead to a stronger final product.
Here are a few ways to improve focus under tight deadlines:
Use the Pomodoro Technique – Work in focused 25- or 50-minute sessions with short breaks in between.
Turn off distractions – Silence notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and set boundaries to stay in the zone. If your work environment is noisy, consider buying noise-canceling earmuffs.
Set micro-deadlines – Assign specific time blocks to individual tasks to maintain momentum.
By focusing on deep work, you improve both speed and accuracy—without sacrificing creativity.
Leave Room for Setbacks
You’ll encounter setbacks every now and then, no matter how well you plan. A client might change their mind, unexpected revisions may arise, or a technical issue could delay progress.
That’s why building in extra time for setbacks is crucial when setting deadlines.
Something you could do is set your personal deadline ahead of the actual deadline for large projects.
For example, if a client needs something by Friday, plan to have it done by Wednesday. That way, if any issues arise, you still have time to adjust without stressing out or rushing at the last minute.
Giving yourself breathing room helps manage stress and ensure the final product is as polished as possible.
Stick to Your Creative Process
Every creative professional has a workflow that helps them produce their best work. Whatever that is for you, it exists for a reason.
Under unrealistic deadline pressure, though, it’s easy to feel like you should skip steps or cut corners just to deliver faster. This is a mistake.
Altering your process too much in the name of speed often leads to issues. Instead, trust your process and educate clients on why certain steps are necessary. If, for example, you need an extra day to review and refine properly, let them know how that extra time translates into a stronger final product.
Your process is part of what makes your work valuable. Defending it is part of maintaining your credibility as a professional.
Conclusion: How to Deal with Someone Who Has Unrealistic Expectations
Rushing creative work is almost always a mistake. While clients may push for faster turnarounds, your job as a professional is to set the right expectations and deliver the best results possible—not to compromise quality for speed.
Rushed work doesn’t leave time for second thoughts, improvements, or those extra refinements that take a project from “good” to “great.”
The strategies shared here will help you protect your time and sanity and deliver work you’re proud of—which, ultimately, leads to happier clients.
Here’s a quick recap of key strategies:
Offer two options – A properly timed version with guaranteed quality or a rushed version with no quality assurances.
Assert your expertise – Remind clients that quality creative work requires time, and you’re the expert they hired.
Break projects into manageable chunks – Outline key phases to help clients see the step-by-step process.
Clarify the core objective upfront – Ask the right questions before starting to avoid unnecessary revisions.
Prioritize and avoid multitasking – Avoid juggling multiple tasks at once. Instead, focus on deep, uninterrupted work to boost creativity, accuracy, and overall quality.
Leave room for setbacks – Add extra time into your schedule to prevent last-minute stress.
Stick to your process – Don’t cut corners just to deliver faster; trust the workflow that ensures quality results.
I’m a freelance copywriter and SEO specialist. I aim to empower individuals and businesses with impactful marketing solutions and insights. In my downtime, I recharge by embracing the beauty of nature or cherishing moments with my loved ones. If you found value in this post, please consider sharing it.
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