I think this is the best description of the typical work-place underachiever I have ever read:
… self-handicapping is when we put constraints in place before doing something, which we can subsequently use as excuses in case we fail in the future. Procrastination is an example of this. Think about a scenario where your boss gives you a task to complete with a deadline to do it. Rather than begin the task immediately, though, you leave it until the last minute – rationalizing that you were too busy with other tasks to do it before then. The real goal, though, is to establish an excuse in case your boss doesn’t like the result of your work. A self-handicapper can then blame the poor results on not having enough time to complete the task rather than on insufficient efforts or unremarkable abilities. Good performance may be lost, but self-esteem can be preserved.
This helped me understand certain coworkers better. Knowing what their motivation may be, even if they don’t recognize it, helped me to be more objective about their lack of progress… and now I can call them out on it when I see it. Do you see a coworker or employee in this description? I’d love to hear your underachiever story in the comments!
From Psychology Today – Credit and Blame at Work
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The person that is making excuses and avoiding the job has low self-esteem. Trying to protect their self-esteem means that they actually feel very vulnerable, IMHO.
that’s exactly it! the procrastination provides them an excuse for their lack of output. thanks dave!
Great insight !
Putting something off can also be because the task looks too difficult, we often try and do the tasks we believe to be easier first!
Lack of trust for authority figures in the workplace can lead subordinates to self sabotage, which can lead to anger.