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Stop being busy and start being productive
Executive overview
Most CEOs describe themselves as "busy" but can't point to meaningful output. Busyness is not productivity. Productivity means working on the highest-ROI use of your three inputs: people, time, and money.
Start with a vivid vision, work backwards to goals, then identify the core projects that make those goals happen. Each day, pick the top three things that move the vision forward.
Momentum creates momentum — getting things done and launched compounds.
The busy vs. productive trap
- "Busy being busy" is the default mode for most leaders
- Jim Collins: work on the critical few, not the important many
- Shiny or complex projects can consume time without driving results
- The email vortex is a common productivity killer
A filter for choosing projects
- Only work on projects that drive one of four outcomes:
- Employee engagement
- Customer engagement
- Profitability or margins
- Revenue
- Prioritise low-hanging fruit — quick wins build momentum
Daily execution habits
- Start each morning with your top three goal-driving tasks
- Block calendar time for project work first; fit admin around it
- Reverse-engineer from your three-year vivid vision to today's actions
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