If a team member consistently procrastinates on a key task, what is a tactical approach to mitigate this beyond simply reminding them of the deadline?

Beyond simply reminding a team member of the deadline, a more tactical approach to mitigate consistent procrastination involves breaking down the key task into smaller, more manageable sub-tasks with individual, shorter deadlines. This makes the overall task less daunting and provides a sense of progress and accomplishment as each sub-task is completed. For example, instead of a single deadline for a report, there could be separate deadlines for the outline, research, first draft, and final review. Additionally, pairing the procrastinating team member with an accountability partner can provide external motivation and support. The accountability partner can check in on progress, offer encouragement, and help the team member overcome any obstacles they are facing. Furthermore, understanding the root cause of the procrastination is crucial; it could stem from fear of failure, perfectionism, or lack of motivation. Addressing these underlying issues through open communication and support can help the team member overcome their procrastination tendencies and complete the task successfully. Offer resources, training or assistance if lack of skill or knowledge contributes to avoidance.