Recently, during a conversation with my therapist, I was challenged on my satisfaction with being productive. Instead, she offered me a new perspective: strive to be effective.
Productive…
Being productive means generating a significant amount of output—completing tasks, meeting deadlines, responding to emails, and checking off to-dos. If your team uses Slack, Teams, or project management tools like Asana or Monday, productivity often looks like chat activity, finished tasks, or participation in meetings. It’s tangible and measurable.
Effective…
Effectiveness, on the other hand, is about producing meaningful outcomes. An effective person doesn’t just complete tasks; they create impact. Their work moves the needle for the team and the organization, achieving real results and goals.
While you can be productive without being effective, true effectiveness always requires productivity—but it’s the kind of productivity that adds value.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, we often confuse being busy with being impactful. But the real prize is effectiveness, not just checking boxes.
So, how could you make this shift? Start by asking yourself and your team:
- How is what I am working on meaningful?
- How does it align with our goals?
- How will it drive us forward?
Most companies are very good at measuring productivity. We are even good at rewarding it. But are we equally as committed to seeking out and elevating effective people on our teams? If you aren’t certain, you could start by looking at your hiring and promotion policies, how you assign and allocate the work and in how you give and receive feedback.
Remember, what you focus on expands and you will always find what you are looking for. This week, shift your focus from simply being productive to being truly effective. Look for opportunities to channel your productivity into effectiveness — and see what you notice!
#productivity #effectiveness #leadership #beffective
