Moving a deadline without losing face

Have you got five minutes? It's about the Thursday deadline.

That sounds like bad news.

Not exactly bad. We'll have something on Thursday — it just won't be something I'd want the client to see.

So you're asking for more time.

I'm asking whether Monday would cause you a problem. If it would, we'll send Thursday's version and I'll flag what's unfinished.

What happened? You were ahead last week.

The data came in later than promised, and about a third of it had to be checked by hand. I should have raised it then rather than now.

You should, yes. But I'd rather hear it four days early than four days late.

So Monday?

Monday morning. I'll tell them myself — it carries more weight coming from me, and they'll ask why.

Thank you. And next time I'll say something the day it slips.