Beyond the Checklist: Productivity Is a System, Not a To-Do List

Now that we understand what productivity is—and what it isn’t—it’s time to explore how it works. 

Productivity isn’t about checking tasks off a to-do list. 

It’s about the way you work and how your entire business operates. 

Productivity comes before work

The truly productive business has become so by building systems geared towards productivity. 

It is an effort that starts early, before you write your task list. 

And it influences what you do, how you do it, and how you run your whole business. 

Productivity’s 5 elements

A productive business always has:

• Direction: a simple understanding of where your business—or your team—is headed. Make sure everyone in the organization is on the same journey, moving toward the same goals.
• Clarity: shared and well-understood expectations. Everyone should know what needs to be done, why it matters, and how it should be accomplished.
• The right tools: chosen or designed to fit your needs. The tools you provide must match the expectations you set.
• Prepared people: the right people in the right seats. Because tools are only as effective as the people using them. 
• Motivation: it has to come from the top. When the environment supports and encourages employees, they’ll bring their best selves to work.

The productive workplace

Productivity isn’t just about working harder or faster. 

It’s about aligning these five elements to reinforce each other.

What next

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