There is a short list of things for which nearly everyone strives. When
you put that list in terms of our work, success, and career,
productivity is one of those desirable outcomes. When something is both
important and desirable, you would think we would have a pretty clear
picture of it. Instead, there are tons (far more than seven) myths about
what it is and how to achieve it. I've pared the list of productivity
myths down to seven.
A Definition
Before we get to my list of productivity myths, let's define
productivity.
Productivity is a measure of effectiveness or efficiency. It is a ratio
of outputs to inputs in a specific period of time. In other words, we
can only accurately measure productivity when we compare the outputs to
the time required to achieve those outputs. Keep this in mind as we walk
through the myths. Once you have a clear understanding of the
definition, some of the myths will melt away like an icicle on a sunny
afternoon.
Productivity Myths
-
If I get more done, I am more productive. Not really -
especially if you just throw more time at it. Remember
productivity is a ratio - more done is great, but how much more
time did it take? Eight reports in 8 hours is just as productive
as ten reports in 10 hours - and likely more sustainable. If you
can get 10 (done well) in 8 hours, now you are talking increased
productivity.
-
Multitasking makes me more
productive. Research
shows that we can't actually multitask - our brains can't
parallel process. Rather, what we do is switch (quickly) from
one task to another. The cumulative productivity cost of switch
tasking? Up to 40% of our time.
I call it attention pollution.
-
The key is doing all the easy stuff first. This is like eating
the cake before the salad and your protein. It tastes good, but
it isn't very effective. Rather than knocking out a bunch of
things first, doing the most important tasks first is far more
likely to raise your overall productivity (and effectiveness).
-
Busy = productive. I have often said that "busy" is the most
dangerous four-letter word in the English language. Why? Because
"busy" is focused on activity, not accomplishment. Productivity
is an accomplishment measure, not an activity one.
Here is my case against busy in a short video.
-
I'm most productive under pressure. There is no doubt that
occasionally a deadline might heighten our attention and help us
accomplish more in less total time. But it becomes a myth when
we lean into pressure by procrastination, drama, and relying on
that pressure. The problem is that always forcing pressure (or
waiting for it) isn't sustainable. But it is an invitation for
burnout and errors in the work or your judgement. Are you
willing to risk that?
-
There is a better approach or app that will solve my
productivity problems. Should we look for new approaches and
ideas? Sure. Should we continue to throw out everything for the
next tool, or the ideas in the next book? Probably not. Let's
bust the myth. Once you have a solid approach and set of
techniques (or a tool), they will work - when you use them.
Before you seek a new approach, make sure you are applying the
current approach effectively and consistently.
-
The key to greater productivity is to power through. Effort and
hard work are fine, even admirable, but not always helpful for
our productivity. Take a break (even a short one). When you do,
you allow your brain and body to recover, reduce your stress,
and clear your mind. Breaks can make you more productive, not
less.
Each of these productivity myths that you disavow and actively work to
remove from your life will move you closer to the level of productivity
to which you aspire. Pick one and get started.
Kevin Eikenberry is a world renowned leadership expert, a two-time bestselling author, speaker, consultant, trainer, coach, leader, learner, husband and father (not necessarily in that order).
Kevin is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a leadership and learning consulting company that has been helping organizations, teams and individuals reach their potential since 1993. Kevin's specialties include leadership, teams and teamwork, organizational culture, facilitating change, organizational learning and more.
There is a short list of things for which nearly everyone strives. When
you put that list in terms of our work, success, and career,
productivity is one of those desirable outcomes. When something is both
important and desirable, you would think we would have a pretty clear
picture of it. Instead, there are tons (far more than seven) myths about
what it is and how to achieve it. I've pared the list of productivity
myths down to seven.
A Definition
Before we get to my list of productivity myths, let's define
productivity.
Productivity is a measure of effectiveness or efficiency. It is a ratio
of outputs to inputs in a specific period of time. In other words, we
can only accurately measure productivity when we compare the outputs to
the time required to achieve those outputs. Keep this in mind as we walk
through the myths. Once you have a clear understanding of the
definition, some of the myths will melt away like an icicle on a sunny
afternoon.
Productivity Myths
-
If I get more done, I am more productive. Not really -
especially if you just throw more time at it. Remember
productivity is a ratio - more done is great, but how much more
time did it take? Eight reports in 8 hours is just as productive
as ten reports in 10 hours - and likely more sustainable. If you
can get 10 (done well) in 8 hours, now you are talking increased
productivity.
-
Multitasking makes me more
productive. Research
shows that we can't actually multitask - our brains can't
parallel process. Rather, what we do is switch (quickly) from
one task to another. The cumulative productivity cost of switch
tasking? Up to 40% of our time.
I call it attention pollution.
-
The key is doing all the easy stuff first. This is like eating
the cake before the salad and your protein. It tastes good, but
it isn't very effective. Rather than knocking out a bunch of
things first, doing the most important tasks first is far more
likely to raise your overall productivity (and effectiveness).
-
Busy = productive. I have often said that "busy" is the most
dangerous four-letter word in the English language. Why? Because
"busy" is focused on activity, not accomplishment. Productivity
is an accomplishment measure, not an activity one.
Here is my case against busy in a short video.
-
I'm most productive under pressure. There is no doubt that
occasionally a deadline might heighten our attention and help us
accomplish more in less total time. But it becomes a myth when
we lean into pressure by procrastination, drama, and relying on
that pressure. The problem is that always forcing pressure (or
waiting for it) isn't sustainable. But it is an invitation for
burnout and errors in the work or your judgement. Are you
willing to risk that?
-
There is a better approach or app that will solve my
productivity problems. Should we look for new approaches and
ideas? Sure. Should we continue to throw out everything for the
next tool, or the ideas in the next book? Probably not. Let's
bust the myth. Once you have a solid approach and set of
techniques (or a tool), they will work - when you use them.
Before you seek a new approach, make sure you are applying the
current approach effectively and consistently.
-
The key to greater productivity is to power through. Effort and
hard work are fine, even admirable, but not always helpful for
our productivity. Take a break (even a short one). When you do,
you allow your brain and body to recover, reduce your stress,
and clear your mind. Breaks can make you more productive, not
less.
Each of these productivity myths that you disavow and actively work to
remove from your life will move you closer to the level of productivity
to which you aspire. Pick one and get started.
Kevin Eikenberry is a world renowned leadership expert, a two-time bestselling author, speaker, consultant, trainer, coach, leader, learner, husband and father (not necessarily in that order).
Kevin is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a leadership and learning consulting company that has been helping organizations, teams and individuals reach their potential since 1993. Kevin's specialties include leadership, teams and teamwork, organizational culture, facilitating change, organizational learning and more.