You will have often heard a phrase like … Success is a marathon, not a sprint … indicating that the activity in hand must be addressed with focus and concentration over the longer- term.
Well, Productivity is certainly a marathon.
You need a good start, then a keen ongoing focus and finally a strong finish.
Tools and techniques are very useful but attitude and execution are what really matter. Productivity improvement is best achieved within a supportive culture that expects, receives and values contributions from across and throughout the organisation.
Productivity leadership is not about having the best ideas but about creating that culture in which all ideas for improvement are considered, evaluated and rewarded.
Switching off destroys the culture; the focus must be continual. Leaders must continually relate to, and report on, Productivity … reinforcing the culture, maintaining the focus and demonstrating their commitment.
Effective leaders lead from the front and the back … and all points in between.