Interesting. I give them 2 methods for their productivity day, week, and month Method 1: Prioritization Through Writing Provide the individual with paper and a pen. Ask them to write down all tasks or thoughts on their mind. Guide them to categorize these tasks by priority (e.g., high, medium, low). Encourage them to execute their work systematically based on this prioritized list. Method 2: Introducing Organizational Tools Suggest digital or physical tools (e.g., planners and task-management apps like Trello or Todoist) to help them organize tasks more efficiently. Emphasize how these tools can streamline prioritization, set deadlines, and track progress. Both approaches aim to enhance productivity by structuring tasks effectively

Feeling overwhelmed often stems from unclear expectations or conflicting demands. Without clear requirements, work may need redoing, causing frustration and a sense of failure. Accepting tasks from multiple sources leads to conflicting priorities and unrealistic deadlines. As a manager, protect your team by ensuring requests have clear, documented criteria and are funneled through one channel. Prioritize tasks effectively and let team members commit to work rather than imposing it. For urgent tasks, inform stakeholders, adjust deadlines, and communicate impacts on other priorities.

Some things to consider when your team member is struggling with productivity: 1. Do not call them out in front of the rest of the team. 2. Approach them 1:1 and understand why this might be happening. Set clear plan going forward which both of you agree to. 3. This is not a time for blaming anyone but having an honest conversation about the situation. 4. Set clear expectations on both sides. 5. Identify what will help them. This could include: extra time, accommodations, extra guidance, support, change of project, change of direction, reassignment of project, training resources to upskill, referral to a different team. 6. Don’t drag out decisions and communication. Hey! Shreya here. Follow me to learn more about strategy & leadership.

I start with setting a clear and inspiring vision. Without a compelling "why," incremental changes can feel like added pressure rather than progress. In 1-2-1s, framing productivity improvements as enablers of success helps shift the mindset from overwhelm to opportunity. Breaking down goals into smaller, manageable steps, creates a pathway where improvement builds confidence and momentum. I like the concept of "marginal gains" as it transforms progress into a visible and motivating force. When teams see even small wins the psychological boost reinforces further improvement. Recognising and celebrating these gains in your 1-2-1s strengthens motivation, making productivity feel like a continuous journey rather than a daunting leap.

Best is to first understand his challenges, his perspective and explore with him what could be the way forward…more often that not this will help him resolve the issue. Keep your advice only as a last resort