Talent and potential lie within each person. As a coach, I see this reality firsthand. It is not my job or my desire as a coach to tell my clients what to do or what they should be pursuing; instead, I believe it is my job as a coach to help my clients strategize, offer a fresh perspective, and tap into their potential. I love that coaching allows me the opportunity to walk with my clients as they see to uncover their talents and unlock their potential. One of the keys to accomplishing those objectives is to maximize productivity. I don’t help my clients work more; I help my clients work better. The only way to do that is to increase productivity.  We believe that the best way to increase productivity is to increase leadership capacity through personal and professional growth. One of our biggest goals in writing each week is to help leaders do just that. I have discovered, however, that one of the biggest road blocks on the journey to increasing productivity is understanding the distinction between productive activities and administrative activities. Before we go any further, lets develop a deeper understanding of these tasks. 

Administrative Activities:

Tasks include answering emails, following up on phone calls, tidying work space, organizing, etc. Administrative tasks are necessary but rarely urgent. These smaller issues need to be taken care of if your day is to run smoothly, but they don’t offer much value. Administration is about taking care of the small things so you can focus on the big things. 

Productive Activities:

Tasks include planning and executing projects, building relationships, and anything that adds value to your team. Productive tasks typically require more planning and preparation. These are the larger jobs that cannot be neglected or set aside. Your accomplishment of these tasks carries long-term consequences. Productivity is about focusing on the big things so you will be able to add value to your team. 

The distinction between these two is crucial. One of the reasons it is so easy to get them confused is because administrative tasks can occupy your hands and make you feel as though things are getting accomplished. In the midst of that, it is easy to forget that your real goal is not to be busy, but to be effective. Administration is important to keep you organized, but is not enough to push you forward. The only thing that can move you forward is maximizing productivity.  [bctt tweet="Your real goal is not to be busy, but to be effective." username="dukematlock"] What you invest in will grow. If you want to increase capacity and grow as a leader, you have to spend your time investing in productivity. Anyone can be busy; not everyone can be an effective, contributing member of the team. Maximizing productivity is about more than just you. It’s also about what you bring to your team, your organization, and those you are serving. Being productive means you add value to those around you. It means you show up with excellence and consistency. Maximizing productivity allows you to invest in yourself and in those around you.  [bctt tweet="What you invest in will grow." username="dukematlock"] For more tips on maximizing productivity, check out my 50-10-01 Productivity Plan. You can also find 12 Tips for Increasing Productivity here  

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