← Boundary Practice Lab · 7 minutes ·
Two work tasks are both described as urgent, and you cannot finish both by the same time. A useful conversation brings the conflict into view. This lesson practises asking the person with responsibility for priorities to choose an order or adjust the plan.
- Show: two tasks, one window
- Ask: which comes first?
- Confirm: changed deadline or scope
The idea
List the current task, the new task and your realistic estimate of the conflict. Ask which outcome matters first, and what should move if the new task takes priority. Estimates are not guarantees: say when they are uncertain. If you do not have authority to change a deadline, do not quietly change it yourself. Record the agreed next step in the normal way for your workplace. Safety-critical work, mandatory breaks and legal obligations require the relevant policy and professional guidance, not a generic script.
Try it yourself
Your manager adds a two-hour task before your current deadline.
That hides a known conflict and gives others inaccurate planning information.
This names the consequence and requests a priority decision rather than silently missing a deadline.
Preference does not settle the shared priority or deadline.
Read all responses and explanations
Agree to both and hope the work becomes faster.
That hides a known conflict and gives others inaccurate planning information.
If I start this now, the report will move. Which should I finish first?
This names the consequence and requests a priority decision rather than silently missing a deadline.
Choose the task you prefer and say nothing.
Preference does not settle the shared priority or deadline.
The answer is “Both.” What useful follow-up could you make?
A repeated demand does not create extra time.
This brings the conversation back to available time, scope and resources.
Reassigning work needs the relevant agreement and authority.
Read all responses and explanations
Guarantee both even though your estimate has not changed.
A repeated demand does not create extra time.
With the time available, what scope can we reduce or what support can we arrange?
This brings the conversation back to available time, scope and resources.
Tell a colleague they must do your task without checking.
Reassigning work needs the relevant agreement and authority.
Make it your own
Write a fictional two-task conflict with realistic time estimates. Practise asking for priority, then write the short confirmation you would send after a decision. Include which deadline or scope changed.
Your takeaway
- Current task and deadline
- New request and estimated time
- The conflict I need to make visible
- My priority question
- The agreed order, scope or support
No account required. Completion is saved only on this device. Answers and notes disappear when you leave or reload this page. The printable sheet is blank for your own notes.
Original practice for ordinary, low-stakes communication, not treatment or a guarantee about someone else’s response. Roles, existing commitments and safety can change the appropriate next step.
Further reading
Centre for Clinical Interventions: Assertiveness. Optional background on clear, respectful communication. These fictional scenarios, response choices and practice sheets are original editorial exercises, not copied worksheets or treatment.
Read the related journal guide · Continue exploring the lessons
Original educational content by Andrew Stinson Books, developed with AI assistance. Our editorial approach.