One Comment From An Old Boss 20 Years Ago Is Still My Productivity Maxim
It always delivers
Twenty years ago I was working at a huge national youth music radio station in the UK and our boss at the time was hosting the weekly staff meeting. He wanted to address a feeling amongst his employees that everyone was burnt out.
We had great numbers, critical acclaim, a production line of new talent and a young and ambitious team.
But the atmosphere at work was combustible. Production teams were being chopped and changed, personality clashes seemed to be springing up everywhere and gossip was rife.
This is what he got up and said:
“Everybody. Think about your work day, your week, the month ahead. Think about the things you have to do, the things you want to do, and the new things you’re being given to do.”
I remember seeing nervous looks being exchanged around the room — was there a big innovation push coming? A new all-station project which would need us all to find an extra 5–10% from somewhere? We didn’t have anything left in the tank.
He continued…
“Now I want you to choose one thing… and STOP DOING IT. Decide now, it’s gone. For every one of us, our time is important. We can do amazing things, but not if…
