The Productivity-Positivity Matrix
Organizations of every size need high productivity and positivity to sustain growth and enduring success.
Too often, however, they fall short in one, or both, area(s). How is your organization doing?
Those organizations low in both productivity and positivity are standing at death’s door and will soon expire — a total corporate overhaul is needed to survive (or a reservation made at the corporate morgue). Those who are high in productivity, yet low in positivity are likely grinding out an existence and burning through their human capital — these organizations are in need of soothing relief in the form of team member recognition; improved work conditions; effective incentive programs; up-beat, humane leadership; and perhaps some team member autonomy.
Organizations with low productivity, yet high positivity may have laid the groundwork by developing an upbeat, light-as-a-cloud work environment, but need to make a course correction soon by instituting productivity goals; performance metrics; clearly articulating expectations; and identifying team leaders to motivate, inspire, and act as role models. Left unchecked, the corporate coffin will be carried to the grave by happy, unemployed pallbearers.
Those blessed organizations with high productivity and positivity are destined for greatness. To maintain the spirit of success, they must loosen the corporate reins on their stallions and offer the freedom to run full bore. They must systematize and automate operations when possible and celebrate success often. More importantly, however, they must embrace and learn from their failures. Leaders who have identified those elements of their organization’s culture that have contributed to success and then ensured they are ingrained in the corporate DNA, are more likely to defy the odds and secure enduring success. Sounds great, right?
