Are You Productive or Just Really Good at Looking Busy?

It is September. 

You can feel the days getting shorter, the end of the year getting closer.

Still, there are 4 months left. Let’s make them the most productive yet. 

Let’s make Productivity our autumn theme. 

What productivity is

Productivity is the measure of how you turn inputs into outputs. 

Your inputs are time, effort, and resources. 

Your outputs are your accomplishments. 

This season, don’t try to work more. Accomplish more with simple goals and clear expectations.

What it is not

Being busy is not the same as being productive. 

Imagine trying to dig a canal with a spoon. Sure, you’re “doing something,” but it’s neither efficient nor effective. 

Productivity is not about

• Multitasking: Juggling tasks slows you down and leads to mistakes. (Try this week’s worksheet to see for yourself.)
• Filling up your calendar: Packing your schedule creates more busyness and less control.
• Working longer hours: If you’re not productive, more hours mean more time spent doing less.
• Working faster: Speed without strategy leads to rushed, lower-quality work.
• More automation: Automating the wrong tasks means doing the wrong things more efficiently.

What it means to you

Make your business more productive, your employees more productive, and your days more productive. 

Follow these posts for the rest of the month for ongoing tips on productivity at all levels of your business. 

What next

Productivity requires simplicity: simple metrics, simple process, simple communication. Contact me to discuss an operational blueprint that will make your business simple and fun.