PMO | Cognitive Closure and Project Planning

Cognitive closure is natual human desire to complete a task promptly. Project managers can use this concept in the following ways to improve project team's productivity:

1. Motivate for Early Completion: Project managers can motivate team members to complete tasks ahead of schedule by reminding them of the upcoming tasks. When team members are aware of these tasks, they are more likely to complete them early.

2. Present a Clear Path: While people often have the incentive to close tasks, they may struggle due to a lack of clarity or direction. Project managers should clearly outline the steps needed to complete tasks, paving the way for team members to make visible progress.

3. Break Down Tasks and Prioritize: Cognitive closure can hinder focus and increase stress. Project managers can alleviate this by breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable parts, assigning intermediate goals, and gradually assigning tasks to team members. This approach helps team members experience a greater sense of satisfaction as they achieve milestones.

In summary, project managers should be mindful of the psychological effect of cognitive closure and leverage it to improve team productivity.