3. The Loafer/Procrastinator
Common characteristics
• Loafers/procrastinators often can’t start or complete assigned tasks.
• They know something needs to be done, but aren’t motivated to do it.
Cause of behavior
They go to great lengths to avoid being wrong, rejected, humiliated or emotionally uncomfortable. They usually feel scared, bored, anxious or overextended.
Ways to improve productivity
Get to the root of the problem. Ask the loafer/procrastinator about their underlying emotions, recommends Dominguez.
“Is it fear?” she asks. “If so, they need to work on their self-confidence. Is it anxiety? If so, they need to work on setting realistic expectations for themselves. Is it disorganization or time management? If so, they need to work on under-promising and over-delivering.”
Loafers/procrastinators need to thoroughly understand what’s expected of them. They also need to receive several schedules and deadlines specifically outlining when their work should be completed, according to Young.
“Managers must make sure the deadlines are adhered to,” he says. “If the deadlines are not met, you must follow up with appropriate consequences.”
Read About:
1. The Bully
