Editorial
Welcome to Courage Coach, where expert columnist Karin Hurt answers readers' tough leadership challenges with practical tools and techniques you can use right away. Have a question for her? Drop her a line!
Dear Coach Coach,
I'm so frustrated. My team has no urgency. I'm a reasonable human being. I don't expect them to run around with their hair on fire. But … when something is hot I need them to move! Maybe I'm old school. And maybe it’s a generational thing. But when my boss asks me to do something I do it — and fast. How do I create more urgency on my team?
Signed, Let's Speed This Team Up
Dear Let’s Speed This Team Up,
Oh, I feel your pain! There’s nothing worse than watching your team move at the speed of a sloth when you’re ready to sprint. You’re not asking them to light their hair on fire, but c’mon, a little hustle would be nice, right?
You’re not alone in thinking, “Why do I have to hover to get anything done? Am I micromanaging or are they just slow?” Ironically, the more urgency you feel, the more you’ll run into this. But don’t worry, I’ve got a few communication tricks to help speed things up — without becoming a helicopter boss.
Why Saying 'Be Urgent' Isn’t Enough
Telling your team to “pick up the pace” won’t magically make them move faster. Here’s why: urgency means different things to different people. What you consider urgent might seem like just another Thursday to someone else.
Instead of leaning on vague expectations, let’s talk about some clear strategies that will get your team moving with purpose and consistency.
1. Set Concrete Deadlines
Ever feel like tasks are floating in limbo? Let’s fix that with “scheduled finishes.” Set a specific deadline, and — this part is key — put it on the calendar for everyone involved. Whether it’s a routine task or a special project, a set finish line eliminates any “I thought I had more time” excuses.
Ask your team, “When exactly will this be done, and when are we checking in?” Pinning it down stops the slow roll and creates shared accountability.
2. Clarify What 'Done' Looks Like
You’d think everyone’s on the same page, right? But it’s amazing how easily wires can get crossed. Instead of assuming, check for understanding before you wrap up. A quick, “Let’s recap—what’s the next step, and when are we following up?” saves you from future headaches and missed deadlines.
Related Article: A Teams Communication Map Can Help You Accelerate Projects
3. Repeat Important Messages (Without Being Annoying)
If you’ve ever said something critical only to get blank stares later, you’ll love this: communicate important messages five times, in five different ways (more in this Courage Coach Article). Think emails, meetings, Slack — whatever works. It’s not over-communicating; it’s reinforcing. Plus, it helps hammer home why the timing is important.
4. Address Conflicting Priorities Head-On
If your team seems stuck in slow-motion, it’s possible they’re juggling conflicting priorities. It’s up to you to help them figure out what’s most important: speed or quality? Don’t leave them guessing — let them know exactly what you need right now.
5. Recognize Progress and Hold Accountability
When your team hits a deadline, make sure to acknowledge it. Celebrate their wins (even the small ones). And if they miss the mark, have a constructive accountability conversation. Either way, closing the loop shows that you value their work and keeps the momentum going for next time.
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Related Article: The Art of Delivering Feedback in Today's Hybrid Workplace
Pace Matters — But So Does Sustainability
Building urgency doesn’t mean creating a nonstop pressure cooker. Your team needs to know when to sprint and when to settle into a sustainable pace. If everything’s always in crisis mode, you’ll burn them out. Balance urgency with realism, and you’ll see both speed and stamina improve.
Ultimately, a team that understands the “why,” has clear deadlines, and feels valued for their effort will naturally pick up the pace. You’ve got this — and your team will too.
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