As project managers, we're all used to the deadline, the burden handed down from some other entity. Sometimes we're not even sure how the date got decided. And mostly we're used to seeing it as a constraint. Indeed a deadline, like a budget, is a constraint.
 
You don't have unlimited time and resources to get a project done and you must figure out a way to finish it within the looming time frame.
 
But here's something interesting I've discovered when working in a complex organizational environment - deadlines are your friends! In fact, a deadline can be one of your secrets to success.
 
Is it because it's motivating? No.
 
Or maybe because it's part of your checklist of good project management behavior?
 
No.
 
Then why? It's because a deadline is your calling card. It's your "Carte Blanche", your James Bond License-to-Kill.
 
When you have a deadline, you can halt almost all unnecessary work and access almost all levels of senior management, until you get the resources you need - or until someone senior says "enough already! Let me extend the deadline to get you out of my hair."
 
Ever try reaching two levels of management when you don't have a deadline to get the authorization to get a task moving? Good luck - you know the beggarly feeling. Ever try to get cooperation from a partnering team that has its own set of constraints to deal with? Can you say "mañana"?
 
Deadlines are good, deadlines are your friends.