We all have been there wondering and even expressing frustration at why tasks at work or at home were not taken care of.
I have Simpler Work on my mind as my friend Bill Jensen would say.
Instead of giving assignments why not let people take ownership of specific tasks and projects and have them set their schedule. Everyone then knows who is responsible for something and when they will complete the project.
I can put it in 3 words Who? What? When?
Check the Simplicity Project at MIT. Read The Beauty of Simplicity by Linda Tischler (Fast Company)