Which Eff?

Throughout my adult life, I have always used checklists to assist my productivity. My checklists have given me focus, provided me with guidance, and helped me to reach some of my more important goals. I am known for getting a lot of things done and for doing so in a timely manner. For a time, I thought that my checklist was the most important tool in my arsenal. Then I realized I was addicted to my checklist. Maybe brainwashed is a better term. I was so focused (brainwashed that is) on my checklist, that I stopped getting things done with integrity, and instead, I just got things done. The focus was on the number of tasks completed vs. the quality of each completed task. I became someone that I did not want to be. I was trapped in the mindset of efficiency. I got to the point where my sole focus was crossing everything off my list. My measure of success was directly related to my ability to complete the checklist. I became efficient at getting things done and for a time, I thought this was good.

Eventually, I started to notice that my performance slipped. I was no longer being challenged and I was falling into my comfort zone. As usual, as soon as I felt comfortable, alarm bells started to go off in my head. I realized that instead of looking for a challenge I would stare at my list and try to figure out how I would get things done. I got so wrapped up in planning to get things done that I was no longer getting things done with the quality that was important to me and my job. I was successful, but I was not growing. I was completing tasks, but I was not happy. I was performing ok and my efficiency was allowing me to fly under the radar. I realized that I was not happy and I was not achieving my goals with integrity.

Realizing that I had the wrong mindset was the first step to correct my issue. Next, I used the following questions to determine which eff I was following, efficiency on effectiveness:

1. Is success defined by your efficiency to get things done or the quality of your work?
   1. It can be both, but which one is more important?
   2. Are your actions aligned with your answer to Question #1?
2. Are you focusing on the task-at-hand or the end-goal?
   1. Are you focusing on crossing the task off your list or are you focusing on completing the task with quality and integrity?
3. What do you want to achieve?
   1. Quality work?
   2. Completed Checklists?
   3. Why do you want to achieve this?

My honest answer to these questions was vital to understanding the difference between being efficient and being effective. Once I had the questions answered, I was ready to take action, change my focus, and achieve effectiveness.

When you recognize that you are in the mindset of efficiency, ask the right questions, and rearrange your thoughts and priorities by completing things with integrity. (RQA – Recognize, Q&A, Act). Send me your thoughts and comments.

 

Everyday is an interview.