“Sharpening the Axe: Building Workplace Excellence and Productivity”
“If I only had an hour to chop down a tree, I would spend the first 45 minutes sharpening my axe.” – Abraham Lincoln
Workplace excellence begins with preparation. Just like Abraham Lincoln’s timeless analogy, investing time in preparation and skill-building is crucial for achieving success and avoiding setbacks. When employees fail to meet performance expectations, it often leads to disengagement, fear, and even job loss. These moments can be terrifying, but they also provide an opportunity to reflect, regroup, and rebuild.
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The Harsh Reality of Underperformance
Imagine being fired or witnessing someone being let go. The fear is palpable: “How will I pay my bills? Where do I start again? Will I succeed in my next job?” These thoughts can be overwhelming. However, the truth remains—no one is born ineffective. With the right guidance and mindset, every individual can evolve into a high-performing employee.
My Story: From Near Failure to Excellence
Close to two decades ago, I faced an imminent sack during my first year at a multinational company. The Chief Operating Officer was furious, and my immediate boss distanced himself from me. It was one of the darkest moments of my life. Thankfully, a compassionate superior from the Headquarters intervened, asking a few key questions that shifted my perspective. His mentorship transformed my approach, enabling my team and I to achieve top performance ratings within two years.
The lessons from that experience taught me the importance of mentorship, workplace principles, and adaptability. High performance is not about innate talent—it’s about understanding and applying the right principles.
Creating a Culture of Excellence for Nation-Building
Workplace productivity is directly linked to national development. A disengaged and underperforming workforce stalls economic growth, while a motivated and skilled workforce drives progress. In Nigeria, the average workforce has yet to adopt a culture of performance excellence, contributing to low productivity and stifled development.
Yet, every individual is wired to aspire, grow, and achieve more. The challenge lies in breaking free from unproductive habits and embracing growth-oriented practices. This manual provides actionable strategies to help employees become the drum majors of excellence in their organisations.
Core Principles of Workplace Excellence
- Understanding the Job
Each workplace has its unique rules and expectations. Employees must invest time in understanding these dynamics and aligning their efforts with organisational goals. - Skill Development
Workplace performance often requires skills beyond what formal education provides. Continuous learning and adaptability are key to staying relevant and effective. - Time Management
Managing time efficiently is a hallmark of a high-performing employee. Prioritising tasks, setting goals, and avoiding procrastination are critical habits. - Mentorship
Guidance from experienced professionals can accelerate growth and help employees navigate workplace challenges effectively.
Practical Activities for Transformation
This content and subsequent ones under Workplace Excellence can be delivered in interactive workshops or meetings to foster engagement and transformation:
Session Structure (45 minutes):
- 5 minutes: Introduction—The Lincoln Analogy and its relevance to workplace success.
- 5 minutes: Storytelling—Sharing the personal anecdote or other people’s experiences.
- 20 minutes: Presentation—Key principles of workplace excellence as discussed in given module
- 15 minutes: Activities and Exercises:
Follow-Up Discussion:
Conclude with a Q&A session to address specific challenges and encourage employees to apply the principles discussed.
A Call to Action
This manual isn’t just about becoming an effective employee—it’s about creating a new culture. By fostering a culture of excellence, we can collectively contribute to national growth and development. As you embrace the lessons in this guide, you will awaken the greatness within you, inspiring those around you and driving meaningful change.
Remember: No one wants to lose a peak-performing employee. Strive to become indispensable by continuously sharpening your axe and aiming for excellence in everything you do.
This expanded version integrates actionable insights and activities while emphasising the link between individual productivity and nation-building.