How often do you say you will complete a task or project at work or commit to do something and then not do it? You set to-do lists or goals, you make commitments, you give your word, but somehow, it just doesn’t happen. Whilst there may be many reasons you are challenged by following through at times, without clear communication, those depending on you will likely think that you are a slacker, unmotivated, or unproductive when you don’t do what you say you will do.
So, why do people say “Yes” and then not deliver?
Saying yes on Monday and then being overwhelmed and overcommitted by Wednesday.
Oftentimes, people find themselves saying yes to the big project on Monday but then become so busy putting out daily fires that they delay completing the real tasks or projects for the day. It may be challenging to figure out what the priorities are and what can or should be put off until later. With more people working remotely and increased dependence on technology, there is an amplified pressure to do even more than ever before and say yes to everything.
Lack of clarity of what is expected.
Sometimes, an employee agrees to do something but doesn’t understand the project’s scope or specific details needed to get the job done during the agreed timeframe. And, in a competitive company or organization, many fear asking too many questions. They don’t want to look like they don’t understand or can’t keep up. There’s a preference for appearing “lazy” over appearing “stupid.”
Not committed.
Unfortunately, sometimes people do say yes when they aren’t really committed to the task, project, or goal but don’t feel able to say “No.” Life and work become something to “get through” instead of an inspired path to more significant accomplishment and joy because they are missing out on putting effort towards something that would move the dial forward significantly.
Succumbing to distractions.
Between the constant dinging on the computer with IMs from work colleagues, the constant deluge of “important” emails, the phone notifications for all the different social media and other alerts, and kids needing to be schooled at home, it’s any wonder people get any actual work done!
Lack of accountability.
Without a culture of accountability at work, there cannot be an expectation of task or project completion within specific timeframes. Accountability increases the efficiency & effectiveness of the workforce. In some organizations, it appears that deadlines, timeframes, and priorities are fluid. This communicates to the workforce that working diligently on a task or project may be fruitless as their department may move in a different direction soon.
No matter how this inconsistent follow through with commitments started, it is an unhealthy and untenable habit to maintain if you are interested in being effective at work or becoming a great leader. Honestly, whenever you fail to do what you say you will do, you are out of integrity with yourself. Yes, the workplace culture may have a problem with follow-through and need some tweaking to operate more efficiently. However, if you want to be a person who is reliable & dependable in meeting your own commitments, take these steps:
- Be intentional: Stop overcommitting. Only say yes when you mean yes. If you don’t understand, don’t commit. Ask questions & seek clarity. If you can’t deliver it, don’t promise it.
- Document: Write things down. Track progress.
- Prioritize: Rank each task in order of importance & complete in that order.
- Schedule: Put time on your calendar to complete. Be clear on how much actual time it will take.
- Take breaks: Give your brain a rest. It needs it. Every 55 minutes, take a full 5-minute break. Get out of your chair. Get fresh air, a drink of water, stretch or march in place, then get back to work. It will help you stay focused and avoid unnecessary distractions.
Engaging in these new steps will help you develop new routines. With consistent effort, you can build momentum to create new habits and be a person who gets it done.
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