Five Workplace Irritations That Can Actually Boost Productivity
I implore you to take the 5 min or so to read the whole thing. Make note of some of the peoples comments. Nod, agree, disagree, laugh, shake your head, etc... then, return to this post.How can something that is irritating, and therefore counter-productive actually be a productivity-booster? It almost negates everything I have read over the past 5 years on leadership/management and being "productive".
Although I was dumbfounded at first. I re-read it and I felt from the 5 points made, only one might have been valid. I could not wait to blog on it and make it all seem like a sham. However, I gave it some more thought. I started to realize that several of them may actually have serious footing. Instead of jumping the gun, I decided to forward the link to several of my colleagues at work. When I sent the link, I stated the reasons and I was as neutral as possible: asking for their opinions without introducing bias. Furthermore, I had an open discussion with other colleagues in our "Mini-Toastmasters" public speaking meeting last week.
What can I conclude after all this? They are all true. And... they are all false at the same time. How is this possible? Read on...
1) Sarcastic criticism from a manager or client boosts productivity
Why it's valid: Most of my colleagues agreed with this, even though they would prefer not to experience it. Some agreed that it is a short-term boost, and that in the long-term, would produce poor work performance. So, why would criticism boost productivity? I see a few reasons why it might. For one, most of us have the innate need not to let someone down. We don't want to fail - or come across as failures. If we realized we did something wrong, we may just roll with it. Next, we will try to do anything to recover or "show them wrong". In the process, this will cause a "boost". Another reason, is the fear having to go through it again. To avoid it, we will go above and beyond to ensure we do not get on the manager's (or customer's) bad side. So, can it be a means to an end? Sometimes, sarcasm can be amusing or humorous. It can very well depend on the setting, and relationship with the manager or customer. It may also depend on your emotional strength. If you are strong enough, you can withstand the "hits" - and see beyond the criticism and realize the other person's weaknesses. Usually, those that criticize without regard for people's feelings have insecurity issues or are vowing for attention - that was never given to them as children.
Why it doesn't hold water: Who enjoys being judged or criticized? I doubt anyone raised their hand. One of my colleagues noted that when criticized: "you’re less likely to take the initiative out of fear of screwing up; less likely to take chances". If you have enough emotional strength, there is a way to receive criticism and move-on. If you don't have the strength to do at least "10 emotional push-ups", we may take it to heart. Another great metaphor is "a withdrawal in the emotional bank account" and hold on to it on the inside and keep track. Although not manifested immediately, these knots of the heart will build up. Some may call it being passive-aggressive. Regardless, at some point, your level of cooperation will tank. Why? Truth is, we have choices:
 |
| The six levels of cooperation as seen in The 8th Habit |
2) Messy office space boosts productivity
Why it might be true: Once again, most of my colleagues agreed that a messy office space helps. Myself included. I feel like I "know" where everything is when it's a mess. Once it's clean, I can't find anything. One of my colleagues wrote: "I never lost anything in the piles, and it usually means I've been too focused on the job to be a neatnick". Another interesting response from a team-member: "It gives me a good excuse to pause when I get blocked an change gears, when I’m in cleaning mode I’m not actually thinking about anything, but I can actually see things getting done.." Very true. When I try and "clean up" my work area, it's a great springboard for starting anew. It should be a weekly activity that sets the pace for the week ahead. Almost like a proactive activity, which can't be done if my desk is already neat.
Why it doesn't cut the mustard: When the area you work in is disorganized, your thoughts have the potential of being just as disorganized. It requires discipline to be organized and keep things in order. While most contend that discipline can be stifling and "limit potential" - it is actually liberating, and gives us freedom. HOW?! Remember the metaphor of being disciplined to learn an instrument?... I was never disciplined enough to learn one -therefore- I do not have the freedom to create beautiful music. I believe there is a threshold, here it will actually stifle productivity. Some of us may be familiar with something being so messy and/or disorganized that it takes you too long to find something. It can also be embarrassing. Perhaps you can laugh it off, but it can come across as "not caring" and being "too busy". Both of which are not good messages to broadcast in the workplace.
 |
| I know I left that paper on here somewhere.... |
3) Noisy distractions boosts productivity
Why it might be true: Although most of my colleagues did not agree with this one, it was made clear that there are exceptions. For example, "white noise I'm okay with... it has to be constant". Others mentioned that music or constant talking was also fine. Needless to say, I too am ok with music - in fact, listening to Metallica helped me focus on studying for my final exams in college. So, yes, I can understand where it is going. We are resilient creatures. Creatures of habit - and capable of adapting to almost any environment (as long as we can survive it). As the mind copes with sources of auditory nature, it overcomes with filters that we probably take for granted. In the tradition of "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" - you become focused, and strengthen your resolve.
Why it may be just a lot of hot air: As my colleagues disagreed, they also pointed out that "irregular, random" noises are counter-productive. One of my team-members pointed out that "if I really want to get anything done I have to lock myself away in a conference room". Another colleague noted that "..nothing is more annoying and disruptive to productivity than noise. Noise makes it very difficult to focus". There is a reason why libraries have signs everywhere that say "quiet please" or "silence". Noise can be exactly that: noise - to the conscious mind, noise in the "data stream" of input can disrupt the flow... of... thought. Like random, flashing, colorful lights. Think about it - could you focus in a room like that? Get a "productivity boost"? X
 |
| Very productive environment indeed... |
Why it works: Haven't we all done this? At some point in our careers, we all must have contributed to the fire. We all cave and give into it. After all, we all can use a "Heart Massage" - yes? Validate our feelings - usually negative - of others. It might make us feel better in the moment - as my colleague pointed out "it relieves tension". Especially if it is something that is true. When everyone can agree that something is just not right about someone, why not make the best of it? Ok, so it is at someone else's expense... but that person isn't there. Big deal. Right?
Why it may be a load of poo: One of the responses I received said it best: "gossip can also lead to division within a team/group/department and create lack of trust which can lead to back stabbing and animosity." Yep. I know this as The hidden tax: aka "Low Trust". Nothing breeds more distrust than talking behind other people's back. After someone has thrown a fellow co-worker into the rumor mill, can't you help but wonder what that same person might say about you when you are not around. I cannot recommend enough for everyone to read The Speed of Trust by Stephen M. R. Covey. The dividends of HIGH TRUST cannot be measured, but it is faster than whatever can come to mind. Just think about it. When you trust someone, even if they make a mistake - it's OK. Why? Because there is no second guessing or worrying about agendas. Have you ever been at the same wavelength with someone... where things moved swiftly? What was the trust level of that relationship?
 |
| Interesting Blog Entry... Check it. |
Why it could be true: What? For a minute, let's put aside the typical corporate environment. Good. Now, think... Under what circumstance can this happen? Think a little more. As part of a open-group discussion, one of the attending members made a great point I would never have thought of. Entrepreneurs. Yep. Those of us who know what it is like to run your own business would agree. You wear all sorts of "hats" in the day-to-day. You work, work and work some more. Reward is no where to be seen. However, you keep on working, and sometimes you work harder and harder. Granted, there is a personal vested interest that will drive and motivate.
Why it may be enough fertilizer to cover the planet: Another great point that was brought-up in our open-group discussion is that most of us live in the "corporate america" mind-set. Is it safe to say that most of us in the corporate workforce are there for the money? After all, don't we all have bills to pay? I guess that is a general assumption, but let's look deeper. We are all more than the sum of our parts. Much more. To simplify, let's look at us comprising of the four dimensions Dr. Covey speaks of in the 8th habit: Heart, Body, Mind and Spirit. Even if you are challenged in your job (Mind), you enjoy the people you work with (Heart) and the product of your labor is fulfilling (Spirit), being compensated fairly (Body) is also important. Why? The "body" comprises of all that which is physical: finances, possessions and of course your physical health.. If the body is neglected, what would happen? Right, the other three would have to compensate. No matter how "great" the other three are, they can never make-up for the the needs of building your financial future, eating right or taking care of your health.
In closing, I would like to confirm that they all work under certain circumstances. Simultaneously, they are all "self-evidently" not substantial. Or, should I say - non-sustaining. They all may be short-term productivity boosters, but in the end, what all organizations would want are long-term, durable, genuine productivity and innovation - from all the right roots and all the right reasons.
