Purpose or Productivity
Menaca Pothalingam
Resilience Leadership Mentor for Healthcare Professionals | Change Catalyst Dentist | Meet Menaca Talk show Host | TEDx Speaker| International Keynote Speaker | Author of Resilience Learned| Mental Health Advocate
The most common measurement of the effectiveness of professionals, businesses and organisations have been based on output. While productivity is believed to be proportional to the output, the performance has primarily been outcome-based.
However, leadership experts would often place equal importance, if not more, on purpose.
Before we begin to look at the different thoughts and points of view, let us explore what they mean.
The best analogy for me is a simple task, like driving. Whilst how fast you travel or the most cost-effective route can be seen as productivity, why you wanted to go and what makes you chose a particular route is a purpose.
Likewise, cooking a meal for the family can be an example. While how many dishes one can cook in a given time or cook on a specific budget is focused on productivity, considering individual preferences and focusing on healthier choices is purpose-oriented.
Hence, the value of success is often correlated to the tangible output against measured input; the fulfilment value is related to the resonance with the activity and its satisfaction.
While productivity is futuristic and focuses on the results, the sense of purpose helps you commit and be present on the tasks rather than worrying about the measurable output.
Although purpose-based activities don’t usually get attention, they are valuable to individuals and organisations’ long-term personal and professional sustainability. The simple tasks you do daily and the processes you diligently follow will lay the foundation of longterm growth. Likewise, your daily habits of self-care and the compassion you demonstrate to others around you are pivotal not only for your well-being and others around you but also for the business’s sustainability in the long term.
Aligning the planning and direction to my purpose of encouraging, educating and empowering professionals and leaders helped me focus on individual conversations, providing support and launching the talk show ‘Meet Menaca’ as a social entrepreneur. Concentrating on the longterm vision inspired me to design the group online courses and train professionals from different parts of the world.
Considering the present has helped me create space and time to reflect on my daily tasks, realign my priorities, and redefine my primary focus in the short to medium term. Regularly reminding myself of the benefit on people I train and the impact the talk show can have on others motivates me to work hard and merely add value to someone.
Having a purpose helps you be mindful of the processes to follow, while productivity will encourage you to measure outcomes and output, allowing you to reflect and reform your actual performance.
Purpose and productivity are two integral parts of success rather than two separate components to choose from for success and sustainability. This approach can be particularly beneficial during turbulent times.
Global Sales Training Manager
3 年Good way of describing the terms Menaca Pothalingam
Thanks for sharing Makes a lot of sense. Discovering our purpose motivates and propels us to be productive.The petrol that fuels us Menaca Pothalingam
Accredited Coach - DISC Expert - Facilitator - Working with Executives & Emerging Leaders who want to lead better and build high performing teams & inclusive workplaces.
3 年Menaca Pothalingam super insights! It's so easy to get 'busy' doing 'stuff' because we think the more we produce the better to product. But in fact it's better to work smart and check that what we're producing is aligned with our purpose and represents it in the best way. Time and effort are precious commodities. One of the many lessons I learned in my corporate life was 'Always know why you're there'. The 'there' could be a meeting, an event or being part of a team - but ultimately always know what will make it successful for you, and in some cases your supervisor.
?? Helping Founders Transform Their Business From Cash Strapped to Cash Rich — Without Overwhelm, Anxiety and Fear of Running Out of Money Before the Month Runs Out
3 年Love it. Be productive where your passion lies, is what I'd say Menaca Pothalingam!!
I help Businesses streamline processes with software solutions, to reduce stress and increase efficiency.
3 年Well said Menaca Pothalingam.. So on piont?? purpose and process are vital to success #successbydesign ??