SOLVING WORK-AT-HOME PROCRASTINATION, THROUGH PERSONALITY TESTING.

If you’ve yourself suddenly replaced your office desk for the living room table (in lockdown), your productivity has probably shifted.

Are you struggling to concentrate? Sitting there, wondering how people get anything done at home? Got a team to manage, but the kids are pulling at your feet? You’re not alone.  

Why is it some people can sit at their desk for hours, uninterrupted by the kids (or nearby fridge), while others need to satisfy their Facebook itch every few minutes? Are the latter, missing out on some new brain-hacking technique?

According to a recent article, the answer goes back further and connects to our personalities (which we’ve got an online assessment for).

Whether you’re a manager, trainer, team or leader, what’s important to you is reducing procrastination. First of all, this pandemic has thrown everyone into a state of flux, so give yourself some leeway. This is a great opportunity to learn how to adapt, pivot, and shift with the current needs. 

Expect a little procrastination, right now.

Yes, the numbers around procrastination are scary. Employees spend over a quarter of their day twiddling their thumbs. Add those hours up and we’re talking a lot of wasted time. But this was when we were working in offices. Now, at home, it’s a whole new ball game.

This is why knowing the people you’re leading is more important than ever. Because it might have nothing to do with the task at-hand, and in fact, a personality trait. For example, an inability to finish work due to perfectionism.

“I have too much on my list” is a common phrase that masks the root of the issue. Sometimes, there’s a lack of confidence, initiative or misinterpretation. See, there’s more to the procrastination puzzle. 

Psychologists say people who don’t put things off, tend to fall in the personality trait, conscientiousness. They love preparation, completing tasks, showing attention to detail, and adhering to a set schedule. Does this deadline-chasing personality ring any bells? (The Owl).

Before we assume that only persistent, self-disciplined people can get things done, remember that procrastination is mainly due to a lack of alignment. Do the tasks they’re assigned to, match their interests and skills? Even more importantly, their personality?

Tick’s personality profiling tools can help you answer this.

Each team member can learn more about their personality, strengths and weaknesses, how they work, and communication. If there’s a Dove that’s procrastinating, maybe they’re missing that supportive environment. This rings true right now, as we emerge from months of isolation.

Use Tick’s four personality bird types to make changes for a more productive, self-motivating team… no matter what the ‘office’ morphs into.