Sometimes, deadlines are tight, unexpected changes happen, or a project gets bumped up on priority. That’s when fast-tracking comes in—a way to accelerate your project schedule without completely breaking the plan.
If you’re new to project management, don’t worry: fast-tracking doesn’t require magic, just smart sequencing.
What is Fast-Tracking?
Fast-tracking is a technique where tasks that were originally planned to be done in sequence are now done in parallel—at least partially.
It’s like cooking a big meal:
- Normally, you might bake the bread, then make the sauce, then prep the salad.
- Fast-tracking? You start the sauce while the bread is in the oven, and chop the salad while the sauce simmers.
The meal still gets done on time—just faster.
A Simple Example You Can Relate To
Imagine you’re organizing a small charity fundraiser:
- Task 1: Design the event flyer
- Task 2: Approve the flyer
- Task 3: Print and distribute the flyer
Originally, Task 2 waits for Task 1 to finish, and Task 3 waits for Task 2. That’s sequential scheduling.
To fast-track, you could:
- Start contacting printers while the flyer design is still being finalized, using a draft version
- Start preparing email invitations at the same time
By overlapping tasks safely, you save time—but you also accept some risk, like having to make last-minute adjustments if the design changes.
When to Use Fast-Tracking
Fast-tracking works best when:
- You have flexible resources who can multitask
- Some tasks don’t strictly depend on the completion of others
- You’re willing to accept some minor risk for faster delivery
It’s not the same as rushing or skipping steps—it’s about smart sequencing.
Tips for Fast-Tracking Without Chaos
- Review dependencies carefully – Only overlap tasks that can safely run in parallel.
- Communicate clearly – Everyone on the team needs to know priorities and deadlines.
- Monitor risk closely – Keep an eye on quality and schedule changes.
- Document changes – Track what you’ve overlapped in case adjustments are needed.
Fast-tracking is a skill that grows with experience, and it’s one of the simplest ways to make a project schedule more flexible without burning out your team.
Why It Matters
Even small projects can benefit from fast-tracking:
- You meet deadlines without adding overtime.
- You learn to manage tasks and dependencies more strategically.
- You build confidence in managing unexpected changes—an essential career skill.
At biz-ed.ca, I teach students and recent grads practical project management skills like this—skills you can apply immediately to your studies, internships, or first jobs.
Remember: managing a project isn’t just about following a plan. It’s about adjusting smartly when things change, and fast-tracking is one of the first techniques every project manager should master.