The Epidemic of Proving We Work

Read on to discover how ditching 'Prove-I-Actually-Work-itis' can unleash true innovation and efficiency in your team!

Thomas Pollock Anshutz: The Ironworkers’ Noontime

Let’s end this year with a bit of truth serum, shall we? I’ve seen a disturbing trend in companies lately. It’s like a virus, but no, it’s not the one you’re thinking of. This one’s called “Prove-I-Actually-Work-itis.” And, oh boy, is it contagious!

Here’s the deal: Too many folks are busy creating work to prove they’re working. It’s like watching a dog chase its tail – entertaining but ultimately fruitless. For instance, take our friend, the social media manager. They’re knee-deep in analytics, drowning in PowerPoint slides, just to show that their latest tweetstorm brought in some eyeballs. The irony? They could’ve launched another viral campaign in the time it took to “prove” the last one worked. The reporting side of things should be a pit stop, not a road trip. Fifteen minutes, in and out. Boom!

But let’s not throw all the blame on our over-zealous social media maestro. Peek behind the curtain, and you’ll see a whole brigade of puppeteers, also known as ‘the bosses.’ These folks have trust issues. They hired talent but act like they’re babysitting toddlers. They hover and ask for proof of work, like they’re auditioning for a detective show. “Did you really work, or is this just an elaborate ruse?” Spoiler alert: The employee knows their stuff. Let them work their magic!

So, as we wrap up this year and step into the next, here’s my not-so-subtle nudge: Talk less, do more. It’s simple. Like, ‘why didn’t I think of this before?’ simple. Your team is talented. Trust them. Let them create, innovate, and maybe – just maybe – you’ll find your company stepping into a realm of efficiency and creativity you never thought possible.

P.S. If your PowerPoint presentation on why your last PowerPoint was effective is longer than this post, you’re doing it wrong. Just saying. 🙃