What can I do at work to help someone when they know what to do but still cannot get started?

Short answer

Knowing the goal and having a usable first move are different things.

What this can look like

Someone may understand the goal but wait because the scope, priority or decision needed to start is unclear.

Why it can happen

When people stall, clarify the task before treating it as a motivation issue. Check scope, priority, available information and what must happen first.

What might help

Before escalating performance, check the brief: what is the outcome, what is in scope, who decides and what happens first?

What the research helps explain

Executive-function research describes attention, working memory and flexibility as limited, context-sensitive processes. Australian work guidance recognises that cognitive demands, time pressure, role clarity, support and control can shape whether work is manageable.

What can vary

Do not infer a diagnosis, capability level or private health information from a work pattern. Ask about the task conditions, provide equitable options and handle performance concerns fairly.

For this situation

For you, ask “What is unclear or blocked?” rather than “Why has this not started?”

More info and original sources

Poko summarises the relevance of public original sources and links out for anyone who wants to read more.

• Executive Functions — Explains attention, working memory and flexibility in goal-directed tasks.
• Job demands — Australian guidance on cognitive demands, role clarity, workload, control and support.