For most leaders, reflecting on a solid year’s worth of work usually raises questions around productivity. Questions such as, “Was I productive?” “Could I have been more productive?” and “How could I have managed productivity with more discipline and results in mind?”

That’s because at this time of year, many business plans are being formalized, budgets are being finalized, and numbers are giving insights into targets we’ve hit and those we’ve missed. We’re seeing what’s working and what’s not, knowing that productivity and positive results are never accidental; they’re the result of a culture that is aligned around common goals and that disciplines itself to practice mindsets, habits and strategies that ensure goal achievement.

As you scrutinize the levels of productivity in your organization and within yourself, keep in mind that your productivity level is something you can change if you commit to it. Not only can you become more productive next year, but the productivity pointers provided here can help right now. Read them, then give it all some thought. What do you need to change to become more disciplined and productive?

Identify and address the biggest timewasters you’re facing as a leader and as an organization. One of the biggest culprits is unnecessary, mismanaged or too-long meetings. The second is chasing “shiny objects,” or going down random rabbit holes without solid planning, understanding and consensus around “why?”.  And lastly, technology distractions—everything from having problematic or outdated tech to phone/texting and social media addiction, which prevents you and others from staying on task and on time, doing your job well, and simply being present.

Put a stop to multitasking. Many of us think we’re great at it, but few people really are. Don’t believe us? Check out this Forbes article that highlights all the downsides, including the fact that it hampers productivity by as much as 40%. So what do you do about it?

First, notice when it’s happening. (Hint: Multitasking is often the culprit behind pesky mistakes.) Second, stop doing it. Slow down and set aside time to start and finish one activity at a time. Close your office door or block out time on your calendar for big projects that demand more attention. Third, avoid the temptation to fall into the habit of multitasking again. Remember, as a leader, you’re the role model! Tell your people what you’re doing, show them the benefits of “single-tasking,” and then require the same good habit from those you lead. When you notice your team members multitasking like crazy, bring everyone together to team-consult around the issue and find equitable, smart solutions to address the issue.

Create a To-Stop list—and use it for planning. What’s been stealing energy or passion from you professionally—or those you lead—the past 12 months? Set aside an hour in a quiet place that supports reflection. Make a list of what needs to stop, specifically what’s hindering productivity. Then build this into your professional development plan for yourself and your business so that, with the support of an accountability system in place, you can take action and remain accountable to these “To Stop” goals.

Taking a look at various leadership and business trend reports, there’s a lot of hype this year around leadership feeling burned out, particularly managers, who are the vital link between top leaders and all the other team players in the trenches. So the question begs, if managers are feeling squeezed and stressed, how does that affect productivity?

Productivity can’t thrive in a culture that doesn’t feel engaged. It suffers when there’s low morale and whenleaders and managers are burned out. And when burnout is high, people are either quietly quitting—or actively quitting—which has a trickle-down effect, further driving down morale, engagement and retention.

There are a lot of factors contributing to productivity issuestoday. After focusing more on their people’s psychological wellbeing and safety during COVID, leaders and managers are grappling with the need to beef up accountability again. Add to that, there’s the uncertainty around Artificial Intelligence, unknowns about how that will truly help or actually hinder productivity. And, many employees today are working remotely and feel it’s important in their work-life balance, while leadership is grappling with how to build engagement with remote and hybrid cultures.

With all this going on, it can be hard for top leaders and their managers to amplify and maintain productivity. But every year, every decade, and every generation has its struggles with productivity. It’s not a new challenge. The key is to bring discipline to the table when tacklingproductivity, whether it’s floundering or successful for you.

By discipline, we mean a proactive structure, a proven management system and, more importantly, a program around accountability that supports balance in the workplace, not favoring a culture that’s run like a country club or a jail.

We also know that having the right business plan in place plus contingency plans in the wings are powerful if executed correctly. They allow leaders and managers to build alignment around Vital Goals and take appropriate actions when certain events, pressures or surprises occur. And trust us, they will happen. No business is immune to uncertainty.

As you ring in the New Year, put some fresh focus on how you’ll bring discipline to the table, managing the massively important aspect of productivity in the workplace andespecially creating and sustaining an environment in which your leadership feels engaged, empowered and productive—not squeezed, stressed and burned out.

A proven approach to boosting productivity and getting sustainable results is the solution. And MAP Consulting can help with its leadership and executive training, professional development for individuals and teams, and a proven accountability system that’s all about getting consistent results. Our world-class workshops are a great starting point. Contact MAP today!

Make this the year you truly build productivity and get breakthrough results. Contact MAP Consulting today!