Fred is a software jack of all trades, having worked over the last 24 years at every stage of the SDLC and has authored [two books](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fred-Heath/e/B08F3Q1H1M).
This is so insightful, thank you!. Your 'Joe' example is one I've encountered so many times, both from from my own experience but in other people too. You put-off asking questions because you know Joe will:
Just say "didn't you read the documentation?"
Impart answer in a condescending or patronizing manner
Go off on 1-hr diatribe about how he single-handedly designed the system in a way that is easy to understand
Imply that your constant questioning takes up too much of his valuable time
In the end you're too afraid to ask questions and you're labeled as lazy and a procrastinator. To rub salt in the wound, Joe says "I could have helped you if you asked me!".
So you're spot on: procrastination is indeed a warning sign. A sign that that your work environment is toxic and that the work culture is not conducive to productivity. Over the years I've learned to read the signs and act accordingly. If someone if my team procrastinates I don't immediately think "what's wrong with them?", I think "what's wrong with us?" It may be that we have a 'Joe' in the team. Or that the procrastinator has been given a shitty task or all the other things you mention in your post. So yes, procrastination is a symptom, not a cause.
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This is so insightful, thank you!. Your 'Joe' example is one I've encountered so many times, both from from my own experience but in other people too. You put-off asking questions because you know Joe will:
In the end you're too afraid to ask questions and you're labeled as lazy and a procrastinator. To rub salt in the wound, Joe says "I could have helped you if you asked me!".
So you're spot on: procrastination is indeed a warning sign. A sign that that your work environment is toxic and that the work culture is not conducive to productivity. Over the years I've learned to read the signs and act accordingly. If someone if my team procrastinates I don't immediately think "what's wrong with them?", I think "what's wrong with us?" It may be that we have a 'Joe' in the team. Or that the procrastinator has been given a shitty task or all the other things you mention in your post. So yes, procrastination is a symptom, not a cause.