Your team member keeps missing project deadlines. How can you get them back on track?

One thing I've found helpful is to first set the stage for identifying the issue. Has the member been performing well in the past and has recently started missing deadlines? Is this member new to the system? Has there been a personal challenge the member is facing that is preventing him/her from focusing? Is recognition and communication a problem causing the member to lose morale? Most of these issues are solvable with the correct, focussed approach.

First, have a private conversation to understand the reasons behind missed deadlines. Offer support and resources to address any issues they might be facing. Set clear, achievable goals and deadlines, and regularly check in on their progress. Provide constructive feedback and acknowledge improvements. If necessary, reassign tasks to balance the workload. Encourage open communication to ensure they feel supported and motivated to stay on track.

Start by having a one-on-one conversation with the team member to understand the reasons behind the missed deadlines. By showing empathy and listening to their challenges, you can work together to find solutions and support their success in meeting project timelines. Providing constructive feedback and guidance can also help the team member realign their priorities and focus on meeting deadlines. Additionally, setting clear expectations, breaking down tasks into manageable steps, and offering assistance or resources if needed can support the team member in improving their time management and meeting project deadlines successfully.

Vulnerable conversations such as this truly require a different approach to more formal management conversations - if you want the best from them. Consider a venue with soft furnishings to make them feel more comfortable. Perhaps a walk, or atleast not sitting face to face - studies show we’re more likely to open up when side by side. Consider your language to ensure it’s not accusatory or aggressive - lots of we and us statements rather than you and always.

In some of the cases I have handled, it helps to kickstart the work alongside the member. For example, for a designer, I would sit with them to set a general direction for the design methodology. Maybe guiding them on converting one wireframe to a final design. The idea is to translate the sense of support so that the member can get into momentum.

I would offer support on clarifying the objective and goals of the project. Coleagues may have some personal or other matter to deal with at some point in life, And being a leader means understanding the bigger pictures of things rather than dealing with the “NOW” situations. Thinking of the long run would certainly be benefiacial to all parties.

Creo que la importancia de fomentar un entorno colaborativo para cumplir con los plazos. Cuando los miembros del equipo se sienten apoyados y valorados, están más motivados y comprometidos. Crear un sentido de camaradería, donde todos trabajan hacia objetivos comunes y se ayudan mutuamente, alivia la presión sobre quienes enfrentan dificultades y promueve un esfuerzo colectivo. Esto no solo fortalece el espíritu de equipo, sino que también asegura que el proyecto avance de manera eficiente y eficaz.

#Consider giving small rewards, #Implement a peer recognition system, #Highlight how their efforts contributed to the project's success. # BBQ Party by default :)