This week’s newsletter explores the critical distinction between working for results versus working to be seen working. It’s easy to confuse motion with progress.
How many times have you encountered individuals more focused on appearing busy than actually contributing to meaningful outcomes?
Read on to discover the motivations behind these behaviours and provide actionable insights to foster a truly results-driven culture.
The Fine Line Between Perception and Reality
Here’s a question for you: Have you managed people that were very keen to be seen to be working hard but at the expense of everything else?
There’s a significant difference between working to achieve results and working to be seen to work.
In my experience those seeking to work to be seen working are lacking in confidence. They fill their day with lots of unimportant tasks and avoid taking responsibility. This is very often down to a fear of failure.
Its often very difficult to recognise the signs.
Approaches to Work: A Comparative Analysis
Here’s a breakdown of the two approaches to help you see clearly when somethings wrong.
Working to Achieve Results:
- Focuses on the outcome. This means prioritising completing tasks, meeting deadlines, and delivering high-quality work that contributes to the overall goals.
- Emphasises efficiency and effectiveness. This involves using time and resources wisely, employing the right tools and strategies, and striving to always achieve the best result for the business.
- Values initiative and problem-solving. People who work for results are proactive in taking ownership of their tasks, identifying, and overcoming challenges, and seeking solutions to improve work processes.
- Measures success by concrete achievements. It’s about exceeding expectations, demonstrating progress, and reaching tangible milestones that contribute to overall objectives.
Working to Be Seen to Work:
- Focuses on the appearance of being busy. This prioritises staying visible, extending working hours, and exhibiting outward signs of activity, regardless of the actual results achieved.
- Often prioritises quantity over quality. This can lead to rushed work, missed deadlines, and overlooking crucial details in the pursuit of showing activity.
- May lack initiative and rely on external direction. Individuals primarily concerned with being seen working may be hesitant to take risks, propose innovative solutions, or ask clarifying questions to avoid the perception of being slow or uninformed.
- Measures success by impressions and perceived effort. It’s about being recognised as someone who puts in the time, regardless of the actual outcomes or the quality of their work.
The key difference lies in the motivation and underlying purpose.
When working to achieve results, the driving force is a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully and create positive outcomes. In contrast, working to be seen working is often fuelled by a fear of failure, a need for external validation, or a desire to avoid negative consequences.
Strategies for Cultivating a Results-Driven Culture
It’s important to note that striking a balance is very achievable. While visibility and effort are vital aspects of professional life, they should not overshadow the importance of achieving tangible results. Once you’ve recognised this as an issue, you can assist the person by getting closer and supporting them by.
- Setting clear goals and expectations.
- Having post task reviews.
- Providing resources and support to help employees succeed.
- Ensure you reward achievement and positive contributions.
- Encouraging safe and supportive open communication and feedback.
By focusing on building a culture that values both effort and results, you can empower all your employees to be productive, efficient, and ultimately achieve success.
Key Takeaways
- Distinguishing between genuine productivity and the appearance of busyness is essential for effective leadership.
- A focus on results yields efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.
- Implementing supportive strategies can help shift the workplace culture from visibility-oriented to results-driven.
Summary
For business success, distinguishing between working for genuine results and working for visibility is more than just an exercise in management—it’s a strategic imperative. Understanding these dynamics and applying targeted strategies can create a culture that values and rewards true productivity and contribution. If you’re looking to enhance communication and drive results within your team, I’m here to support you on this journey.
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