Dear Dr. Mimi:
I am one who hates confrontations. I also have an employee who, when I try to check on their progress, always responds, “Everything is fine.” The reality is that when the final project is completed, it is done very well but rarely within the established time frame. It comes in about two days late. Admittedly, missing the deadline has not caused any problems thus far, but it could in the future. What would you suggest?
—Not Fine

Dear Not Fine:
The simplest thing to do would be that the next time you give this employee a project, give them an earlier deadline. Having said that, another option is to set up times for checkpoints along the way with expectations about what you anticipate to have been done at each checkpoint. Let them know that for you to be comfortable with the project and with them as your direct report, you will be asking to see what they have done. Again, be very specific with your expectations. When your employee says, “It is fine,” say, “Great, show me what you have done.” Also, remind them that timeliness is going to be considered in their performance evaluation … and consider it! There is no point to setting a standard unless you are going to use it.
—Dr. Mimi