Stop These 5 Habits to Boost Company Productivity
The key to thriving today? Smarter strategies over harder work. Companies are refining their productivity strategies as they juggle advancements in AI, complex digital workflows, and evolving marketing demands. By eliminating outdated practices, businesses can create space for innovation and efficiency. Here's how successful entrepreneurs on the Inc. 5000 list are transforming their operations and achieving remarkable results.
1. Say Goodbye to Inefficient Meetings
Michael Walters, founder of Studio503, slashed meetings to just one weekly EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) session. The move streamlined communication and reduced wasted time. Walters also invested heavily in automation and cut ties with retailers misaligned on pricing and terms. The result? More focus and higher productivity.
Key takeaway: Limit meetings to only essential ones and automate wherever possible to boost operational efficiency.
2. Rethink Instant Communication
Noelle Cordeaux, CEO of Lumia Coaching, moved away from using Slack as a real-time response tool. Her team agreed to check Slack three times daily, use email for general tasks, and text for urgent matters. This shift eliminated the pressure of constant availability, giving employees more headspace and time for deep work.
Key takeaway: Create clear boundaries around communication tools to reduce distractions and improve focus.
3. Delegate and Systematize
Alex Hayes of CATALYST Integrators took delegation to the next level by outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping and executive assistance. Using tools like EOS’s Delegate/Elevate, Hayes ensured his team focused on what they excelled at, while outsourcing less critical tasks. The company even stopped posting on underperforming platforms like Facebook to focus efforts where they mattered most.
Key takeaway: Delegate non-core tasks to experts and focus on activities that drive results.
4. Prioritize Your Own Marketing
Lisa Larson-Kelley, CEO of Quantious, recognized the cost of deprioritizing her company’s marketing. By partnering with a brand specialist, her team gained fresh perspectives, clear deadlines, and deliverables. This shift redefined Quantious’s positioning and boosted its visibility.
Key takeaway: Treat your own business as a top client and invest in professional marketing support.
5. Reclaim HR In-House
Cassi Janakos, COO of Healthy Horizons, stopped outsourcing HR, leading to cost savings and improved employee satisfaction. External HR services lacked an understanding of their unique company culture, creating more problems than they solved. Taking HR back in-house allowed for tailored solutions that aligned with their values.
Key takeaway: Evaluate whether outsourcing truly aligns with your company’s culture and goals.
Productivity Is About Letting Go
From cutting unnecessary meetings to reevaluating communication habits, these entrepreneurs prove that productivity isn’t just about adding new tools or strategies. It’s about letting go of what doesn’t work, aligning efforts with business goals, and creating space for meaningful work.
By challenging outdated practices and embracing tailored solutions, your company can unlock its true potential. Start today by asking: What’s holding us back? Then, stop doing it.
