People often ask me ‘Hey Rich, what’s your number one top tip for improving my productivity?’ They, of course, know that there is no such thing. But I still get asked it!

The truth is that our personal productivity is determined by our personal productive capacity far more than it is by any tip, trick, tool or hack.

Furthermore, this personal productive capacity is incredibly elastic. It grows or shrinks directly in relation to the quality of nurturing and nourishment we give it. And it is always within our control. Only Jessica Rabbit couldn’t help the way she was because, as she said ‘I’m not bad I’m just drawn that way.’

This is inner work. It’s deeper work, it is sometimes harder yet always more rewarding work. It goes to our core, our character, our purpose, values and the vision we have for our current work role and, yes, for our lives. That’s why I’m a #WP2P guy, we can’t make any meaningful, sustainable change without it – even something simple, like dominating our inbox.

Welding purpose to priorities #wp2p

So, whilst you will find productivity tips on my blog I’m not a big fan of them on their own. Most of the people I have worked with over the years are already winning, they might not always feel that they are, but they are none the less.  Almost the last thing winners need is a tip! Yet it is often the first thing people look for, especially when looking to improve their performance or productivity.

That’s why, I incorporate my 4D approach into almost every support programme I am asked to deliver, be it facilitating a meeting, running a training event, delivering a keynote talk or providing Executive support.

I have become increasingly convinced over the years that true, sustainable, performance and productivity improvement can be best achieved through a seamless process of Defining Purpose, Deciding Strategy, Defending Priorities and Delivering Results. I’d be delighted to speak with you about this, either here, over the phone or over a coffee.

Recently a friend asked for some advice on the Best Man speech he is due to deliver soon and we answered the question through the 4D framework. You can see that here. Not exactly why I created this framework but it does show the flexibility of using the logic I build into all my productivity improving support programmes.