Activity is Not The Same As Action: The Value of Well-Crafted Work

In this conversation, Alan Briggs and Jonathan Collier discuss the difference between activity and action, and the importance of being effective rather than just efficient. They emphasize the need for leaders to prioritize and eliminate tasks that are not the most helpful or important. They also highlight the dangers of rushing and the benefits of slow, well-crafted work. The conversation concludes with reflection questions for listeners to consider in their own lives and leadership.

 

Notes

• Activity is not the same as action; leaders should focus on effectiveness rather than just efficiency.
• Elimination and prioritization are key to being effective; leaders should eliminate tasks that are not the most helpful and prioritize those that are.
• Deep work, which requires concentration and focus on a difficult task for a prolonged period of time, is essential for effectiveness.
• Clarity and courage are important qualities for effective leadership; leaders should understand and communicate the truth, identify next steps, and have the courage to take action.
• Slow, well-crafted work is valuable and rare in a world of cheap and fast; leaders should strive for quality over quantity.
• Rushing is detrimental to effectiveness; leaders should avoid rushing and instead focus on thoughtful and intentional work.

Sound Bites

• "Activity is not the same as action"
• "Slow can be good, fast can be good, rushed is bad"
• "People are seeking things that are rare and valuable right now"

Chapters

00:00The Challenge of Delivering on Book Contracts

03:00Activity vs. Action: The Difference and Importance

08:30Elimination and Prioritization: Keys to Effectiveness

12:56The Benefits of Deep Work and the Dangers of Rushing

17:38Clarity and Courage: Essential Qualities for Effective Leadership

22:02The Value of Slow, Well-Crafted Work

25:09Avoiding Rush and Focusing on Thoughtful Work