Do you sometimes have a problem with missed deadlines on your team?
You certainly are not alone! Instead of repeating the same mistakes and not seeing any changes, check out this system.
Throughout my years of working with leaders, I’ve noticed that after asking their people why they did not meet a deadline, the leaders simply move on. In turn, their people feel less accountable.
Instead, when I’m in that situation, I ask four specific questions. Then I wait for the answers – even if it takes 30 seconds of uncomfortable silence:
- “What happened?” asked without a judgmental tone.
↳ Since we succeed together and fail together, we need to understand how we got here. - “When can you recommit to accomplishing this?” asked to get clarity, not to increase pressure. I want them to commit to the date rather than have it imposed on them.
↳ Because we need a deadline people absolutely can make. - “Is there any collateral impact of missing this deadline?” asked in a constructive way.
↳ Since we need to know if other commitments to customers down or other team members are impacted. - “How can this team help you meet this objective?” asked in a way that makes clear we’re a team.
↳Because we want to support the person in meeting this new deadline.
The power of this approach?
It shifts the conversation:
→ From blame to support
→ From judgment to understanding
→ From individual failure to team success
True accountability isn’t about catching people falling short – it’s about creating an environment where people can be honest about challenges and get the support they need.
Head over to LinkedIn and join the conversation on how you can help support your team’s deadlines!