Move From Productive Foundations to Productive Work

Last week, we explored how productivity starts well before the first task is ticked off your to-do list.  It’s a management practice.  Today, let’s turn our focus to the crucial steps to make every day genuinely productive. Steps to productivity The steps to productivity are: Goal Setting With Meaning Effective productivity hinges on clear, actionable…

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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…

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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,…

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Remarkable Communication: Use Consistency For Eye-Opening Clarity

In a recent study, a major retailer wanted to increase sales across all its locations. Researchers split employees into two groups: Group A was promised five percent of any revenue increase each month. Group B was promised biweekly performance reviews.  The results?  Group A’s sales didn’t budge, while Group B saw a seven percent jump…

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Sharing Goals: Focus on Conversation, Not Commands.

An essential component of a mystery novel is explaining the motive for the crime.  The motive gives the story its purpose—it’s the current that propels every twist and turn. When the motive and solution are revealed, all the pieces fall into place.  Likewise, when you share your business plans and goals with your employees, it’s…

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Painting a Clear Picture of Success: Give Answers, Not Clues

Agatha Christie wrote what are called Fair-Play mysteries, or whodunits. In other words, the story includes all the clues needed to solve the mystery.  You are not Agatha Christie.  Do not hide clues in your company messaging. Instead, say what you mean openly and clearly.  Know the goal A clear mission is the foundation upon…

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Practical & Powerful: Why Your Business Mission Statement Matters More Than You Think. (The Worksheet)

“Mission statements, So woo.” I understand why so many people still think of mission statements as unnecessary embellishments.  Mission statements can often feel aspirational at best, vague and self-centered at worst. It’s what happens when your mission statement isn’t practical. Think of your mission At first glance, it seems so conceptual.  A mission statement feels…

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