I grew up watching my father work nearly 14 hours a day — every single day — for more than 35 years. To me, that was the definition of hard work. I believed that anyone who spent more time “at work” was automatically the most dedicated and productive person in the room.
It took me over two decades to realize something profound: my father was the exception, not the rule.
Many of the people I once admired for their long hours weren’t necessarily productive — they were just busy. There’s a big difference.
Being busy all the time often signals a deeper problem — either in the way we work or within the organization itself. True productivity isn’t measured by hours logged, but by outcomes delivered.
You can hustle for 12 hours, jumping from one meeting to another… or you can achieve the same results in 2 focused hours of meaningful work. The latter may not always “look” impressive — but it’s what real productivity is made of.
As a growing leader, I’ve learned to recognize and celebrate the real game-changers — those who bring efficiency, clarity, and outcomes to the table. I actively encourage a culture that values impact over activity and question the mindset that equates longer hours with greater contribution.
This shift isn’t easy. It requires both individuals and leaders to rethink what “working hard” truly means. But when we do, organizations become more human, more focused, and far more effective.
#Leadership #Productivity #WorkCulture #MindsetShift #Efficiency #LeadershipDevelopment #FocusOnOutcomes #BoopeshVikram