Chronic procrastinators often don’t even realise they’re constantly putting off their tasks. That’s why insight is the first step towards changing their learned behaviour. Clearly tell your team member what the specific consequences are if important tasks are not completed. For example, calling too late can mean that an important procedure does not take place on time or that patients get frightened or upset unnecessarily. The same applies to late or missing documentation: it can compromise treatment success and cause major difficulties during potential examinations.  

Tip:
enter into a conversation like this with an understanding attitude. Look at procrastination as a work disorder and don’t confuse it with laziness. 

More precise planning means a greater likelihood of success. Prioritise the various tasks, particularly if you have a large amount of work to get through. You can use the ABCD principle from the Eisenhower method, for example. 

• A is allocated to tasks that need to be completed immediately, such as ordering implants for upcoming operations. 
• B tasks are also important, but less urgent. This includes, for example, making up a cover rota for holiday periods or for when lots of people are off sick. 
• C is used to categorise tasks that need to be done, but are less important. This could be organising an upcoming team building day, for example. 
• D is given to tasks that are not important and not urgent. It’s also worth checking whether these points can be removed from the list altogether.

Tip:
plan enough time to get tasks done. Leave enough of a buffer so you can still finish on time, taking into account that unexpected surprises might crop up.

Procrastination is a devious form of self-reward. Instead of waiting for the feeling of success that comes after completing a large and difficult task, procrastinators prefer to devote themselves to activities that are enjoyable and fun in the short term. This teaches the brain that procrastinating is as-sociated with a positive feeling. Take advantage of this for yourself and your team by consciously recognising completed to-dos and celebrating your team’s success together – for example with some ice cream or a game of table football. Because fun is your greatest aide in the fight against procrastination. 


There are different types of procrastinators. You can find out which ones you have to deal with and which approach helps best in each case in the download.