Dictionary.com defines productivity as “the effectiveness of productive efforts, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of output per unit of input.” In other words, productivity is about achieving outputs in the most effective way possible.

It seems, though, in knowledge work, productivity is often used when talking about how hard someone is working. Are they busy producing something for 8 hours per day? Are they attending meetings or doing something productive? When you measure people’s busyness, they will find ways to make themselves busy. However, being busy doesn’t mean they’re effective.

Rather than focusing on people being busy, focus on them being effective. Involve and ask the team to find ways to become more effective every week, or better yet, every day. When you do this, I think you’ll find the quest for increased effectiveness will take on a life of its own.

You’ve got this.