Activity and Productivity

Activity and productivity: the former often confused for the latter.

Even just in my short career, the jobs I've held, the organizations with which I've worked, the positions I've held - all included meetings.  Short meetings, long meetings, phone meetings, all-day meetings...you see where I'm going.  And, I'm guessing that you've sat through your fair-share of meetings as well.  But now ask yourself: was the usual outcome of these meetings an action-oriented plan? Or when you left, did it more seem like a simple opportunity to talk?  Really think about it. Sure, perhaps not every meeting (I hope!) but at least one or two almost seemed more focused on just gathering everyone together than on actual, measurable outcomes.

I think too often this adds to our argument that "activity" means "productivity".  We think that because we're busy, we're accomplishing something.  We get people together, we do stuff, we talk about stuff, we work through lunch or skip it entirely because we're busy.  But what are we accomplishing?

I read a bit ago (Drive by Daniel Pink. Great book.) about results-only work environments.  In these places, sure they may have a weekly meeting to touch base or what have you, but the entire idea rests on "this is what you need to do and this is when it needs to be done".  Usually not a 9-5 gig, not even necessarily a need to show up to the office at all, much less for a requisite 40 hours each week.  Joys of salaried positions.  The entire concept is focused on the task at hand.  You can spend 30 minutes on it or 30 hours on it, but as long as it's done right and done well, your activity is second.  Whether or not you were productive becomes the real question.  Now, obviously, many industries may not be able to incorporate this principle in its entirety, but perhaps a concept here or there.  I feel very fortunate that in my current position I am provided the criteria to meet, the result I am aiming for by the end of the week, and, as long as I can accomplish my task within the guidelines and protocols, I have flexibility and freedom within the schedule to achieve these results as I see necessary - autonomy with accountability.  And I believe I thrive under such a framework.

So what about you?  What sort of rigidity do you require?  Complete? Some? None?  And really pay attention to whether you're just doing stuff, or if it's a necessity to achieve your outcomes.  Are you working toward something, or just working?