Because What Slips in Submittals Shows Up in Lost Time—and Trust
Approvals get delayed. Everyone knows that. But when your team doesn’t escalate the timeline risk tied to those approvals—doesn’t explain the consequences, update the delivery plan, or help drive urgency—the fallout lands squarely on the PM.
And they remember who left them holding the bag.
What Late Approvals Disrupt
Custom fabrication timelines with little to no slack.
Delivery schedules tied to crane windows or weather windows.
Subcontractor stacking and install staging.
What PMs Say (When It Blows Up)
“They never told us this was a hard stop.”
“They sent three reminders—but never escalated it.”
“Now we’re behind, and they’re acting like it’s not their job.”
Why It Escalates
PMs are judged on delivery—not excuses.
Approvals may be the client’s job, but you’re responsible for clarity.
When late approval hits delivery, install, and budget—it triggers executive heat.
How to Be a Timeline Partner
Tie approval cutoffs to hard delivery outcomes in your kickoff doc.
Escalate risk at 7-day and 3-day delays—don’t wait until it breaks.
Offer phased approvals or pre-approved alternates to maintain schedule flow.
Conclusion
Approvals may not be in your control. But managing them is. PMs remember who helped them hold the schedule—and who quietly let it slip away.
