Idea:
Simplicity is the work of geniuses. If you want someone to do something, reduce the barriers for them to do it. If you ask someone to do something that is difficult, inconvenient, or confusing, they will be less likely to even attempt what you’ve asked.
How to implement:
Keep your ask simple, keep the directions simple, keep the task simple. Be clear and concise in how you present the ask. Ask them if they have any questions about what it is you’re trying to get them to do. Then get them to verbalize the agreement and repeat back to you what you’re agreeing on and when it will get done.
The reasoning behind the “how to”:
This last part of the “how to implement” is often overlooked, but very important. You want them to repeat back to you what needs to be done so you know that you’re both on the same page and that nothing was misinterpreted. You and the other person should have an agreed-upon deadline to minimize frustrations. If someone thought it would be done in a day and the other person thought they could get to it within a month, there will be a lot of frustration due to a lack of clear expectations. And lastly, having the other person verbalize all of this (where they are actively engaged/participating) will make them feel more bought-in to the action plan. If they feel like it’s their own, like they have ownership of it, they will be more likely to finish it.