Don't Be Gross
There is a BIG (pardon the pun) difference between "gross" and "net". If we are not aware of the distinction, we find ourselves in a lot of trouble financially! But the focus on gross is not just an issue with our paycheck.
Gross is not only defined as "whole; entire; total", but also "undiscriminating". So often we approach our productivity issues focused on "gross" -- in other words, the whole thing. We decide that we are going to "organize the office" or "clean up my computer". There is no breaking down of the task. As a result, we are overwhelmed and quickly give up our effort to "do better". And then our situation continues to deteriorate and become "shameful" (another definition of gross) to us.
We would do better to think in terms of "net". My 1938 Webster's Collegiate Dictionary has an amazing definition: "to capture by stratagem". That's the point of the Productive Environment Process. We use this system to strategize the best way to reach our goal; the initial step, of course, being to define that goal. If we don't determine a way to measure progress, we can't really know if we are, in fact, "improving". Working the Process is the best way to tackle any project or dilemma.
The "net" result of the Productive Environment Process? "To produce or gain as clear profit" our time, space, energy and money.
Gross is not only defined as "whole; entire; total", but also "undiscriminating". So often we approach our productivity issues focused on "gross" -- in other words, the whole thing. We decide that we are going to "organize the office" or "clean up my computer". There is no breaking down of the task. As a result, we are overwhelmed and quickly give up our effort to "do better". And then our situation continues to deteriorate and become "shameful" (another definition of gross) to us.
We would do better to think in terms of "net". My 1938 Webster's Collegiate Dictionary has an amazing definition: "to capture by stratagem". That's the point of the Productive Environment Process. We use this system to strategize the best way to reach our goal; the initial step, of course, being to define that goal. If we don't determine a way to measure progress, we can't really know if we are, in fact, "improving". Working the Process is the best way to tackle any project or dilemma.
The "net" result of the Productive Environment Process? "To produce or gain as clear profit" our time, space, energy and money.
Tags: Environment, Process, Productive, gain, net, office, organizing, profit
Comment
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Comment by Barbara Hemphill on October 8, 2009 at 1:31pm - "A productive environment is a profitable (and peaceful) environment!"
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