# How to Manage an Employee Who Always Says I Need More Time

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-manager-s-hour-with-fexingo-people-management-team-building-and-leadership-skills-7871622/how-to-manage-an-employee-who-always-says-i-need-more-time
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-manager-s-hour-with-fexingo-people-management-team-building-and-leadership-skills-7871622/how-to-manage-an-employee-who-always-says-i-need-more-time.md
Podcast: [The Manager's Hour with Fexingo: People Management, Team Building, and Leadership Skills](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-manager-s-hour-with-fexingo-people-management-team-building-and-leadership-skills-7871622)
Published: 2026-07-16T04:38:45+00:00
Episode link: https://audio.fexingo.com/business/the-managers-hour/episode-0117.mp3
Audio file: https://audio.fexingo.com/business/the-managers-hour/episode-0117.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-manager-s-hour-with-fexingo-people-management-team-building-and-leadership-skills-7871622/episodes/how-to-manage-an-employee-who-always-says-i-need-more-time
Duration seconds: 451

## Resource

Lucas and Luna tackle the challenge of managing an employee who consistently asks for deadline extensions. Using a case study from a mid-sized software firm — where a senior developer's 'I need more time' pattern was costing the team $80,000 per quarter — they break down the difference between genuine blockers and learned helplessness. Lucas shares a three-part framework: diagnose the root cause (perfectionism, overcommitment, or skill gap), set behavioral expectations with specific check-ins, and use a time-budgeting tool called the 'two-day rule.' Luna pushes back on whether this approach works for creative roles, and Lucas cites a 2023 study from the Project Management Institute showing that teams using structured time estimates finish projects 34% faster. The episode includes practical scripts for managers to use in one-on-ones, plus a surprising insight about how the manager's own behavior might enable the pattern. No blame, just actionable steps. #Business #Management #Leadership #TimeManagement #Deadlines #Accountability #TeamPerformance #Productivity #EmployeeDevelopment #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #ManagerTips #WorkplaceCulture #ProjectManagement #Perfectionism #Communication #Feedback #Delegation Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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