Productivity is a word that gets bounced around a lot in business circles, and almost everyone has different ideas of how to measure productivity. But productivity is multifaceted and includes many different elements combining together to create impactful results. We’ve gathered quotes from some of the most effective CEOs out there about their work productivity tips.
On Commitment
“Many people don’t focus enough on execution. If you make a commitment to get something done, you need to follow through on that commitment.” – Kenneth Chenault, Former CEO of American Express.
Productivity isn’t just about the volume of work that you do on any given day. It’s making sure you’ve chosen the right work, and that you follow that work through to completion.
On Giving
“If you wake up deciding what you want to give versus what you’re going to get, you become a more successful person. In other words, if you want to make money, you have to help someone else make money.” – Russell Simmons, Co-Founder, Def Jam Records
Productivity and the results of our efforts never happen in a vacuum. When we focus on creating success for everyone, we are guaranteeing success for ourselves.
On Rest
“I build in 15-minute breaks so that I can take some quiet time and close on one meeting before I go to the next. I’m a big believer in taking time to pause and reflect, particularly when you’re working on some of the big challenges in the world.” – Melinda Gates, American Philanthropist
We can’t endlessly work and expect to garner results. Pausing and allowing for stillness is as important to our productivity as our more action-oriented choices.
On Priorities
“I really try to ask myself the question of nine. Will this matter in nine minutes, nine hours, nine days, nine weeks, nine months or nine years? If it will truly matter for all of those, pay attention to it.” – Whitney Wolfe, CEO of Bumble
We also have to choose wisely when we apply our efforts. Meaningless tasks may help us look busy, but they’re ultimately empty of true impact. Choose what problems to solve with a clear perspective of their ultimate importance.
On Challenges
“If you are committed to creating value and if you aren’t afraid of hard times, obstacles become utterly unimportant. A nuisance perhaps, but with no real power. The world respects creation; people will get out of your way.” – Candice Carpenter Olson, Co-CEO of Fullbridge
Eventually, we’ll face roadblocks in our work. Productivity can come to a full stop if we don’t recognize challenges as opportunities for creative problem-solving.
On Risk
“If you’re not making some notable mistakes along the way, you’re certainly not taking enough business and career chances.” – Sallie Krawcheck, CEO and co-founder of Ellevest
Risk speaks to the value of what we’re producing. If we’re not just to repeat what’s come before, we’ll need to innovate and take a chance that what we create may not work the first time around.
On People
“With kids, they don’t do what you want them to do when you want them to do it. Organizations don’t necessarily, either. You’ve got to listen. You’ve got to learn how to influence.” – Ellen J. Kullman, CEO of DuPont
When answering the question of how productive should employees be, we need to learn to listen. Simply forcing a system of productivity on others often backfires. We have to engage directly with our team in order to best work towards our common goals.
On Management
“Understanding your employee’s perspective can go a long way towards increasing productivity and happiness.” – Kathryn Minshew, CEO, and co-founder of The Muse
Management that results in high productivity comes from an empathetic connection between leaders and employees. Knowing that every person adds value to the company means taking into account what they need to fulfill their role in the best way possible.
On Recognition
“People leave when they don’t feel appreciated. That’s why we’ve made recognition a really high value. Our business is people-capability first; then you satisfy customers; then you make money.” – David Novak, former CEO of YUM! Brands
The best brands know their biggest strength is their employees. Recognition goes a long way to ensure employees are bringing their passion into their work.
Conclusion
Productivity is more than just a numbers game. It goes beyond an organization’s end product or service and speaks to the way in which every leader and every employee connects with their work and with each other. Bringing motivation into the workplace requires commitment, communication, and empathy. However you envision productivity, let Content Cucumber increase your SEO results without increasing your workload. Book a demo to find a package that’s right for you.
