Procrastinating Colleagues
How to Keep Your Projects Moving Forward
Do you have a procrastinating colleague who brings your projects to a standstill? You probably think that since you don’t manage them, there’s not much you can do; but there are a few things you can do to keep work on track:
Acknowledge that everyone procrastinates. In an article in Psychology Today, Maia Szalavitz writes that we typically procrastinate on tasks that we find boring or challenging. Other reasons include rebellion, depression, or fear of failure, causing someone to prefer to be seen as lacking in effort, rather than ability. Admitting that we all do it helps us address the problem instead of wasting energy on taking it personally.
Clarify expectations. Procrastination can also be due to ambiguous instructions and vague priorities, Szalavitz adds. When collaborating on a project, create a written project plan that briefly lists individual tasks, who’s accountable, and the deadline. A written plan provides a neutral agreement before the project goes off track. Your chances of keeping the project on track increase if you discuss the plan rather than just send it via e-mail for their review. Even better—create the project plan together with the team.
Keep track of delegated tasks. Don’t cross a task off your to-do list simply because you’ve lobbed the ball into someone else’s court. Make a note on your to-do list or in your tickler file to follow up if you haven’t heard back. The importance of the project and your colleague’s tendency to procrastinate determine when to follow up.
Remember, we all procrastinate sometimes. Improving your ability to manage procrastination—including your own—is an invaluable skill.
Read the article by Maia Szalavitz, called "Stand and Deliver," from Psychology Today.
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