Find Your Passion for Productivity

Tom Landry, the coach of the Dallas Cowboys, once said something that may be true of nearly any motivator: “I have a job to do that is not very complicated, but it is difficult: to get a group of men to do what they don’t want to do so they can achieve the one thing they have wanted all of their lives."

Did you know that more points are scored in the last 2 minutes of the 4th quarter of a football game then in the other 3 quarters put together?  This is often used to prove the point that all of us work better with a deadline.  Which is a fact.  

However, I think it is more than that.  Have you ever felt like you had the time to accomplish something, but you didn't have the energy?  You lacked the physical energy, emotional energy, spiritual energy, mental energy, the motivation?

Energy in life is a resource that is often more valuable than time itself.  You see, time is made of not only hours and minutes, but energy.  So, whether you are playing football or working in your office you know you have to last a certain period of time mentally, physically, and emotionally.  

A runner knows that if they only have to run 100 meters they can run 10 times faster than if they have to run 10 miles.  The final 2 minutes of a game represent the last 100 meters.  The time when you leave it all on the field.  When you quit saving energy and let it all go.  When results are all that matters and conserving energy doesn't.

I have found it easier to be more productive, and turn out better quality work from a team by giving them short deadlines followed by a break.  For example, if you are an author, try to write fast and focused for 5 minutes, then stop and break, before coming back for another 5 minute session.

I know a lady friend of mine who consistently runs under a 4 hour marathon by running for 5 minutes and walking for 2 minutes.  I have seen this applied to concrete companies and insurance agents alike.   If you pay people by the hour, it encourages them to work slower and longer.  If you pay people based off productivity, it encourages them to work smarter and faster.  Which is an asset to any team or organization.

I am convinced that hourly employees can work half the time and accomplish the same amount of work.  Often higher quality work, if they are given a shorter deadline with twice the pay.

Still not convinced?  Try this, tell your team one day that they can go home at lunch time and get paid for a full day if they complete the full day's work by noon.  See what happens.  I would love to hear how it works out.

Of course, if you are a retail shop, a fast food restaurant, or any place where you have store hours, then sending them home at noon is not an option.  But, what if they were rewarded with a break after taking so many orders, ringing up a certain number of customers, folding so many boxes or clothing, then would productivity increase?  You bet it would.

It is time for our world to quit thinking hours and start thinking productivity.  After all:

“You don’t get paid for the hour. You get paid for the value you bring to the hour.”– Jim Rohn (American Business Philosopher, Author, and Speaker)

Article by Jon Bohm