Three Ways Leaders Can Tackle Procrastination

Procrastination: the universal struggle that affects productivity, creativity, and ultimately, results. Our recent study of 400 individuals reaffirmed what we already suspected — procrastination is pervasive. What's surprising, however, is the lack of concerted effort from organizations to combat this productivity killer.

Specifically, we found that 47% of the survey respondents say their workplace doesn’t do anything to help them manage their procrastination, only 1 in 10 say they have access to a project management tool that keeps them on track, and 17% say their manager helps them prioritize their projects.

Bottom line: employees are drowning in work with little to no support from their organization or their manager. But the truth is, leaders have power to change this narrative.?

By implementing simple yet effective strategies, leaders can foster an environment where procrastination takes a backseat to productivity. Here are three actionable tips to help your team overcome procrastination:

1) Prioritize Projects:

In your one-on-one discussions, delve into the procrastination dilemma. Listen to your team members' challenges, understand their stressors, and identify tasks that are being pushed aside. By helping them prioritize essential work, you can steer them away from non-essential tasks that merely occupy time. Encourage them to focus on projects that move the needle and contribute to tangible results.

2) Hold People Accountable:

According to our study, one in four respondents admitted that their organization tolerates procrastination. Break away from this trend by introducing accountability into your team dynamics. After setting priorities, follow up in subsequent one-on-ones to assess progress. If tasks remain incomplete, address the issue head-on. By holding individuals responsible for their commitments, you cultivate a culture of ownership and reliability.

3) Enlist the Help of a Tool:

Surprisingly, only a fraction of organizations provide access to project management tools, despite their effectiveness in combating procrastination. By leveraging these tools, you empower your team to stay on track. With built-in deadlines, automated reminders, and transparent task visibility, project management tools leave little room for procrastination. Encourage your team to embrace these resources as tools for their productivity journey.

By implementing these strategies, you can lead your team toward a procrastination-free future. Learn more about our study and tips for overcoming procrastination when you check out the free eBook, “Conquering Procrastination” here: https://ow.ly/uAFI50SnvCc

Crucial Insights Vol. 2

Written & Edited by: Jenna Weber, Brittney Maxfield, Jordan Christiansen