As individuals, we all have those skills or tools that we use to be productive, whether it’s a work ethic that some believe could be genetic or a project management system that keeps us focused on deadlines and deliverables.
I’ve been curious lately about how productivity comes from motivation and motivation directly relates to environmental variables, specifically in the area of leadership. Whether you work with a traditional boss or have many bosses in clients, the truth is when you are inspired and motivated by them it’s easier to be productive. This is also true working with a team; those surrounding us as peers can inspire and motivate us to get things done. They have qualities of a leader without having the title.
What are those qualities? Here’s my short list I believe are directly related to affecting productivity: Kind but direct, respectful, collaborative, empathetic, sets clear and obtainable goals or deadlines, motivating, problem-solving, inspiring, appreciative, energetic, enthusiastic, encouraging and empowering.
In doing some of this research on the topic, I looked at my own leadership qualities. I discovered there were several areas in which I was hurting our team’s productivity and quickly began addressing those. Then I took a good look at my clients and realized that those who embodied these qualities were the people with whom I truly enjoyed working.
As I begin my 10th year of Buying Time, I realize one quality that has helped to build my business to what it is today, and that I believe directly relates to our day-to-day productivity, is change. We grow through learning and evolving from each other, from our clients, from our mistakes, from our victories and from great leaders in all industries. Change gives us the opportunity to do it better the next time.