As an effective and on time kind of person, having a team or individual who is never on time with their work, is beyond frustrating. No matter how many times you remind them of the work needed, they just do not get it done. And your frustration grows into anger; irritation and annoyance.

If you have shared with someone what is needed and they still do not get it, it can be two issues: they can’t do it or they won’t do it. If it is a “won’t do it”, you have a serious problem. If they “can’t do it”, you have a training issue. And how do you find out which kind of issue it is? You ask them. Simple, straight forward, asking.

“Joe, we have talked about this issue several times. I do know that you are successful in so many other things, what do you think the problem is with this issue and you getting it done on time and with the data that the team needs?” Simple, straight forward and asking in a way that is not accusatory. I think you will be surprised and delighted with the information you gain with this kind of communication.