Busy ≠ Productive. Solution:

Feel busy all the time but not accomplishing your goals and top priorities? Have team members you thought you’d see more work product from?

Hopefully, this isn’t typical for you or your team but for many, it is very common. Doers and grinders love to be busy. But is it the right busy? As the old saying goes, “Grinders need Minders.”

A grinder might find themselves slicing through piles of onions with a dull knife. They put in plenty of effort and force to overcome the fact that the knife is dull.

At this point, the minder steps in and says, “Take a few minutes to use the sharpening steel on your blade.” Interestingly, the grinder will feel put out by having to stop, feeling they are too busy and too valuable to pause — no matter the quality of the outcome.

A key responsibility of leaders today is helping ensure your team remains focused on productive work, not busy work. One way to help keep everyone centered and focused is to hold a daily stand-up or huddle.

A daily stand-up is a great avenue for providing direction and helping sharpen the blade - keeping the grinders focused on the priority tasks, closing loops, and finishing projects.

Don’t discount how satisfied many on your team may feel at the end of a day of hard work, regardless of what they accomplished. Imagine how they will feel when they begin achieving more, clearing goals, and gaining confidence in their abilities.

The daily stand-up is your everyday leadership opportunity. Along with increased productivity, you’ll likely see increased morale and self-esteem as they see how their work impacts and contributes to the bigger picture.

Come back tomorrow for more on the Daily Standup 😊