Tasks that are left open-ended have a tendency to be postponed indefinitely, especially when people are busy doing other things. Without a due date, activities that are easier, more fun, or more urgent might take precedence over those required to implement your project. To influence change, establish deadlines.
Setting deadlines helps people better plan their work. It aligns people with others who are waiting for the job to be done. And, it gives people who tend to be deadline-driven a reason to get started.
People may still miss deadlines because they forget, or it’s not a priority, or they procrastinate. Set reminders. Communicate a sense of urgency. Seek to understand any underlying resistance. Help people meet their deadlines once they are set.
Where might you establish deadlines?
Read more of the 99 Ways to Influence Change.