Lazy Leader

Dear Katie & Kelly,

I’m working on a project with a co-worker. I don’t know his personality type but he’s driving me crazy. He is supposed to be the lead on the project but barely does anything unless I initiate it. He ignores his deadlines which makes it difficult for me to get my parts done. I’m about to ask to be reassigned. Do you have any ideas?

Angry in Arizona.

Dear Angry,

Since we don’t know his personality type, this reply is a shot in the dark. Our bet is the person is a Fun, Organic Freedom or Smart Freedom. They’re the only types that don’t sweat blowing through deadlines unless they’re real deadlines. We assume they’re suggested deadlines because if they’d blown through real deadlines, someone higher up would’ve already noticed. The problem with working with the above personality types if you are not one of them is that they work to real deadlines. Other types — Classics, Organic Structures, and Smart Structures — tend to steadily work toward completing them all. Sit down with your co-worker and tell him how you prefer to work. Work out a timeline together. If he can’t respect it or you can’t find a workable compromise then as a last resort ask to be reassigned. But, frankly if I was your boss I’d wonder why you two couldn’t figure it out. Besides, if you try our approach, chances are he’ll work with you.

Hope that helps,
Katie & Kelly