6 Ways to Kill Workplace Productivity

In an attempt to increase morale and productivity,4. Observed behavior. Review it constantly and ensure
organizations will attempt anything. I recently read anit upholds the mission, vision and values of the
article in The Wall Street Journal (Boring Meetings)organization.
about how to liven boring meetings. Leaders allowed5. Stop the Circus. Save the ridiculous animal tricks, the
crayons and water pistols for creating productivity.flying canons, poster board and crayons for recess
Such rote behavior is meant for recess notand kindergartners. Treat adults as such. If John and
productivity.Peter do not like each other, one hour of mountain bike
The problem with organizations today is with leadersriding with a case of beer only ensures one of them
that cannot lead and workers that have little passion.will not return. This does nothing for productivity and
Rather than repair the issue, leaders place band-aidswastes needed income.
on surgical incisions. Fix the problem.6. The Last Supper. Allow all to eat at the table. End
1. Got Talent. Talent is innate. Skills cannot be taughtthe aristocracy and allow democracy. Innovation
and organizations constantly place the wrong people inflourishes from those closest to their customers. The
the wrong positions. There are denizens of sellingconcept is difficult to grasp but fruitful since all
professionals enacting as sales managers that shouldorganizations exist for one reason - the customer!
be fired. Place individuals where they will succeed andProductivity begins with candid relationships between
aligned with talents. Eradicate the sloths.employer and employee. It is imperative to note that
2. Conflict. Supervisors and managers fear conflict inindividuals do not leave companies - they leave poor
the workplace. Managers fail to hold thosemanagers.
accountable because they fear conflict. The inability toTo dilute the productivity impact, take time to build
confront subordinates about poor seriously underminesrelationships with employees through personal
productivity.interaction. Employees need candid feedback to
3. Accountability. Everyone has a job and must do it.increase morale, productivity and ultimately
Time frames and tasks must be upheld. Those that doaccountability.
not comply should be dealt with.©2009. Drew J. Stevens Ph. D. All rights reserved.