Coach Others

No one likes working with people who procrastinate. And no one at any level is immune to procrastinating. You can help others reduce their tendency to procrastinate and overcome procrastination.

Definition

Procrastination generates a host of negative emotions and can negatively impact productivity and outcomes. They seem to have a mantra expressed by Mark Twain, “Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.”

While procrastination itself is a behavior of delaying or putting off action, it is important to recognize that it is often a symptom or a response within a larger context rather than a standalone cause.

Please remember that people don’t procrastinate as a preferred strategy. Procrastination can stem from various underlying factors and are often in combination. They include:

• poor time management skills
• fear of failure
• lack of motivation
• overwhelm
• perfectionism
• disinterest

In addition, procrastination has been linked to mental health concerns, like depression, anxiety, ADHD, and others.

What To Do

It’s crucial to consider these factors when trying to address and overcome procrastination in individuals. Therefore, to effectively deal with people who procrastinate, take the following steps.

1. Communicate. Engage in open and honest communication with the person. Understand their perspective, challenges, and any underlying reasons for procrastination. This can help identify potential solutions and provide support if needed.
2. Break it down. Work together to set clear and achievable goals with specific deadlines. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them less overwhelming and increase the likelihood of timely completion.
3. Use time aids. Encourage individuals to develop effective time management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks, creating schedules or to-do lists, and setting aside dedicated time for focused work.
4. Engage. Find ways to increase motivation and engagement with the task. This could involve discussing the importance and relevance of the work, offering incentives or rewards, or exploring alternative approaches that align better with the person’s interests and strengths. Give them the “why” that this engagement is important.
5. Support. Offer support and guidance when needed. Check in regularly to monitor progress and provide accountability. This can help individuals stay on track and overcome hurdles along the way.

Why You Should

It is often said that professionals should be able to manage themselves appropriately and they shouldn’t have to be managed (babysat?). Remember that everyone’s circumstances and reasons for procrastination may differ, so it’s important to approach each situation with empathy and understanding.

Encourage a positive and supportive work environment can contribute to reducing procrastination tendencies in the long run. Let others know that you are on their side and want them to do well because their work is important. Coaching others to overcome procrastination is what effective leaders do.