Getting the job done
Jane Sunley, of talent-retention specialist Learnpurple, on Britain's poor productivity
As a country, we're 30% less productive than the French. Yes, the French. Those monsieurs who take at least an hour for lunch rather than wolf down a baguette over their desks. The very people who work only a 35-hour week. The British work at least an extra 10 hours a week to produce the same outcome as their French counterparts. Apparently, we're also less productive than most nations in the developed world.
Various theories have been put forward: The UK hasn't invested so much in technology. Our weather isn't as good. We work longer and make up the productivity so it doesn't matter. And the worst argument of all, we have the fourth-biggest economy on the planet, so why should we worry?
Well, I think we should worry. Over the last three years in the talent-retention business, I've noticed that we're forgetting how to finish the job. People who are outcome-driven rather than input-led appear to be in pitifully short supply.
The problem is that everyone wants to do the exciting bit. Few people want to do the not-so-exciting job of seeing something right the way through to the end. Why? Because very often people are wowed by all the hype around exciting ideas, but somehow lose sight of the finishing line.
At top level, two-thirds of business strategies fail, and this is reflected throughout organisations. An army colonel I know used to talk about "gunners". It was nothing to do with artillery - he meant people who'd say "gunner do this..." and "gunner do that..." without ever actually getting anything done.
I'm passionate about leadership and the profound effect it can have on a business. There's a danger, though, of banging on about leadership all the time and forgetting that it needs to be backed up with good management. But unfortunately the self-discipline needed to focus on a job until it's finished in every aspect appears to be evaporating.
This is unhealthy both for the hospitality industry and the whole nation, because if there are lots of half-finished jobs around, things often aren't done properly. So, to all you leaders out there - let's make it our business to praise the people who produce the outcomes. Reward those who finish the job. Bring people out from behind the PCs and reward them for keeping the database in good order. Without those who love to finish the job the starters simply won't get anywhere.