Procrastination

When Your Boss Procrastinates

Learn how to read your boss and get things moving at the office.

Posted September 24, 2023 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

Key points

A procrastinating boss impacts office productivity.
Ask questions to demonstrate interest in your boss’ perspective and to help move decision-making along.
Watch for nonverbal cues that may alert you to your boss’ real reason for putting you off.
Listen carefully and be ready to pivot to best meet the needs of your boss.

Moose Photos/ Pexels

The whole organization is thrown off kilter when a procrastinating or vacillating attitude starts at the top and runs downhill. Some bosses stall until they get up the nerve to act. Others may be waiting for clearer direction from the executive team or for a more solid plan from subordinates before giving the green light. When appropriate, your goal is to help your boss (and you) move out of the stuck position.

Bosses who put off decision-making drag their feet but get back to you eventually. They appear to agree with you, but your concern may not be their priority.

Their evasive language is deceiving. You become increasingly frustrated, unable to understand why they delay. It’s like pulling teeth to get a firm commitment.

This problem is frustrating in the typical boss-employee relationship that occurs within the four walls of an office building. Remote workers also deal with bosses who put them on hold. Whether in a physical or virtual office, it is difficult to push things along when the decision-maker will not make a firm commitment.

What You’re Thinking

The proposal I submitted was top-notch. I could sense that Dave was quite receptive. He saw the potential when I gave my presentation, and he’s the one who gives the final okay. Also, there were no serious objections from the committee that considers and recommends proposals.

Although Dave told me a few times that we’ll soon have a meeting, he still hasn’t agreed to one. What’s holding him up? What would impel a favorable decision? I need some kind of answer. If this doesn’t work out, I must start considering alternatives.

What He’s Thinking

Sara keeps asking for a meeting to discuss that proposal. I think it has considerable promise, although I could suggest a few important changes. However, my time is already so overcommitted that I don’t know when I can squeeze it in. Sara is so enthusiastic; I hate to hurt her feelings. I’ll just keep putting her off until I have more time to deal with this decision.

Strategy

Your objective is to get a decision very soon and, hopefully, in your favor. I advise doing the following:

Stop pushing. Lower your level of enthusiasm. Don’t expose your impatience or annoyance at the indecision. To counteract the guilt a procrastinator feels about disappointing you, convey your desire to improve. Show you welcome their suggestions.
Make it easy for your boss to level with you. When possible, help deal painlessly with the real reason behind the stall. Gently probe with indirect questions. Aid in clarifying and prioritizing goals and objectives so that you both get a better understanding of what is required. Suggest alternatives.
Pick up on evasive terminology. Listen especially for qualifying words that hint at what’s causing the delay. Maintain eye contact, listen to the speaker, and don’t interrupt. Concentrate on what isn’t said by paying attention to facial expressions, gestures, tone, and tempo.
Tap into their most compelling desire. Go beyond what they need or want; search for what they long for and tie this to your proposal. Show that your main concern is for them rather than for yourself because you, uniquely, have just what they are looking for.

Tip: Listen closely to catch the hints that your boss gives you. Chances are they want to be straightforward with you but may not speak directly for fear that you can’t take criticism or that they will hurt your feelings.