Ever been set an unrealistic deadline? And yet you somehow managed to turn in a good job? If this is the case, what are the implications for procrastination and delays so often the tools of the person who perhaps is not very confident and doesn’t back their own judgement?
In 1955 former British Civil Servant Cyril Parkinson came up with the idea that work expands to fit the time given. So if you have 1,000 word report to complete in 4 hours you will do the 1,000. If you are given 6-8 hours you will probably finish around the same time!
Parkinson did originally write his article with his tongue in his cheek, however, it is now seen as having some elements of truth in it, as I am sure most students will testify when trying to hand in that essay or report in time.
My own way around this, particularly at University, was to set myself an artificial deadline well before the real one. I don’t like leaving things to the last minute... and I don’t like being late for anything, which is why I am usually very early at airports!
Anyway, if you have some examples of Parkinson’s Law, please feel free to share.
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