Don’t Let Productivity Hijack Your Fruitfulness

“Don’t Let Productivity Hijack Your Fruitfulness”

I heard this wise advice earlier this summer and have found I’m repeating it to myself and others a lot lately. While being productive—completing tasks and checking off to-do lists—is important, it shouldn’t overshadow the more meaningful outcomes of our work. Productivity often focuses on efficiency and quantity, or getting as much done as quickly as possible. In a profession where time is the currency and primary measure of success, it’s no wonder we hear attorneys and their clients express frustration about never having enough time. We all get into the habit of racing from one task to the next just to keep up with the always-expanding to-do list or email inbox.

Fruitfulness is more than productivity. It’s about the quality and value of what you’re doing. Fruitfulness is ensuring that your efforts lead to meaningful results. If productivity becomes the sole focus, you may find yourself busy but not truly effective—producing work that lacks depth, purpose or lasting impact.

Clients we interview say they most value the trusted advisors who help them step back and assess the impact of the problem at hand and craft strategies and solutions that are appropriately aligned with its potential value. On the flip side, they complain about lawyers that hastily jump into “doing” and billing lots of time without considering the overall goals.

While we must address the to-do list, it’s essential to strike a balance between being productive and being fruitful. This means prioritizing tasks that align with your and your client’s core values, contribute to your client’s long-term goals and make a positive impact. It involves taking the time to reflect, innovate and invest in activities that yield growth and fulfillment rather than just checking off boxes.

Don’t let the drive to be constantly busy and productive distract you from achieving work that is truly meaningful to your clients. Focus on the bigger picture—on the fruits of your labor that will advance their objectives.