BiB Contributor | Haley Cihock

You’ve heard of the seven deadly sins, I’m sure. In the business of live, daily broadcasting, there’s only one:

DON’T. MISS. DEADLINES.

It’s imperative that we have something to put on air. That’s why it’s so hard to forgive when you cause a big hole in the rundown by just flat-out missing slot without a word.

So here’s your action plan for what to do when you miss a deadline (and chances are you will at some point):

1. Communicate your crisis. Tell us (your collective co-workers) that you’re in the weeds, and that there’s potential for failure. That will set us on a course to craft a back-up plan. It’s so much easier to lose a story when we have one waiting in the wings. And it will also make us appreciate you greatly if you do, in fact, come through and meet that deadline.
2. Offer a substitution. If you were supposed to deliver a story but, for whatever reason, can’t make it happen, offer up a back up plan. Offer a live walk & talk. Offer to help hunt for other stories. Offer cookies. Don’t just dump your disaster and run.
3. Promise improvement. We’re much more likely to move on together if we have a hug and a cry and a handshake oath that says, ‘I know I let you down. I’ll never do this to you again.’ If you don’t acknowledge your failure, we’ll think you’re either arrogant or ignorant.