Measure twice, cut once how effective work means effective leadership

Currently the Joinery industry is hectic, busy workloads have us getting that job done to immediately start another. Recently master joiners’national office came across Murray Fulton’s webinar* speaking about busy work versus effective work.

Fulton defines busy work as, jobs that appear to be important but offer no value to the business. Examples were first, people who do not make notes and work on memory. Second, people who lack certainty and initiative around their jobs. Third, jobs that must be done again because they were poorly done the first time. Busy work causes productivity loss.

The opposite of busy work is effective work, which Fulton tells us is your business’s stream of quality information that is supplied at the right speed, to the right place at the right time. www.masterjoiners.nz

To eliminate busy work Fulton offers two solutions. First, integrate a clear business process into your core systems. Second, ensure all staff in your business have clarity around what their jobs are.

Ian Featherstone in his webinar for our members asks businesses, is there a specific behaviour which is linked to a rise in performance? For us this specific behaviour is that of leadership. Fulton’s solutions for eliminating busy work requires a leader. Maintaining effective work is also a leader’s job. As the leader you need to make sure everyone knows what their job is and is given the right work. Great leaders also remind everyone, their contributions make a successful business.

In businesses big or small, the leader sets the tone. Make sure outstanding performance is rewarded in a way that resonates with your staff. Some people like grand gestures, some like a simple and sincere thank you. Keeping this in mind and exercising your leadership, ensures your business is on the effective working path and staying on it.

The presentation slides for Ian Featherstone’s webinar can be viewed and downloaded by members on our website.

Opportunities to be inspired to lead will be for you at our 2022 inspired to lead conference.

* https://www.advantagebusiness. co.nz/busywork/