Enemies of Productivity

[wcbuckner]

We know the TCI 7 strengths of productivity: Resources, Decision-making, Proactivity, Accountability, Goals & Strategy, Alignment, and Team Leadership. I’d like to identify some of the things that get in the way of exercising these strengths, so you can call them out when you observe them.

What’s the source of their procrastination?
Putting things off is one of the worst things the team can do when they’re trying to be productive. But procrastination is one of the most common reasons people don’t accomplish as much at work as they would like to. If the team suffering from a procrastination habit, there are things they can do to get back on track and strengthen their proactivity. Understanding the reasons behind their procrastination can help them to get a handle on it. For example, if the strategy of a big project is paralyzing them, it might be possible for them to break it up into smaller pieces. When they can attack a little at a time, they won’t feel the need to put it off, and the newly optimistic team outlook can build momentum.

Strengthening Accountability can improve Proactivity and Alignment
If some members are having trouble meeting the team goals, it can help to create accountability partnerships within the team. This could be a supervisor or even a teammate that one chooses to summarize progress with at the end of each day. Focused teams can even share a to-do list or priorities of the day (POD) at the beginning of the day and report back at the end of the day. Just knowing they will be talking to each other later can help them stay motivated to get a lot done.

Get Rid of Distractions
If the team is already having trouble with productivity, things like social media, email, and cell phones can become considerable distractions. Establishing team norms around the use of these tools can be helpful in showing commitment to the team and its desired results, and it may even contribute to more frequent opportunities to strengthen Communication among team members.

Pat Yourselves on the Back
When the team gets something done, encourage them to practice their Camaraderie by giving one another a chance to celebrate. As they recognize their team accomplishment, they can get back to work with a refreshed attitude and the sense that they have within themselves the means to excel.

Being productive is a lot less difficult, and a lot more fun, when the team acknowledges their strengths more than they emphasize their challenges.

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