Solving the Productivity Puzzle

Lack of Visibility ≠ Lack of Productivity

In the office, leaders used to feel reassured by seeing people work. That was fiction—comforting, but false. Remote work just exposed how little visibility correlates with productivity.

More importantly, it shifted the conversation: the real puzzle is efficiency.

Productivity = Efficiency

Two people may work the same hours. But if one spends more time stuck in cliques, unnecessary meetings, or avoiding help—they’re less productive.

Focus on Asking for Help

The real unlock is helping less efficient team members feel safe asking for help. Some ways to do that:

• Managers ask regularly, “What do you need?” (Not asking doesn’t mean no needs)

• Use Loom or other async tools to answer common questions once

• Encourage high performers to share tips and ideas

• Cancel meetings that could’ve been emails or messages

• Share “working hours” or availability windows to cut down on missed connections

Efficiency = Less Time Wasted

Efficiency isn’t about longer hours—it’s about fewer wasted ones. The fastest way to improve is to routinely spot and reduce what’s wasting time.

Let’s not make it more complicated than that.