Sabotage is intentional, but the problem is unintended excursions, which is endemic to any scouting.

The real problem is avoidance, when cuts are warranted and you don't want them, so you ... hide, often by working hard on something else.

The solution is to value your time. Most don't, so (self-) managers instead need to dangle other opportunities: finish this so you can do that. You can't take candy from a baby without trouble; instead, you trade for something else.