A few years ago, leadership expert Lisa O’Dell shared an idea that changed how I think about work. She asked, “Are you thinking about the clock or your contribution?”
That simple question hit me hard—and it still guides how I think about productivity and leadership.
Most of us don’t see ourselves as “clock watchers.” We’re not counting the minutes until quitting time. But even if we aren’t watching the clock, we might still be letting it guide us in subtle ways.
The Illusion of the To-Do List
Our days are full of lists. Tasks, meetings, emails—things we need to “get done.” Crossing them off feels good. But if we’re honest, finishing the list doesn’t always mean we’ve made progress.
Speed and efficiency can be helpful, but they aren’t the whole story. Getting more done doesn’t always mean accomplishing more. Sometimes we’re moving fast in the wrong direction.
When we focus only on checking boxes, we can lose sight of why we’re doing the work in the first place.
From Activity to Accomplishment
Lisa’s question—clock or contribution—reminds me to stop measuring my day by time or output and start measuring it by impact.
Each day, I try to ask myself:
What are the one or two things that will make the biggest difference today?
What will move the needle for my team, my organization, or my long-term goals?
That’s the shift—from activity to accomplishment, from busyness to meaningful progress.
The Power of a Better Question
If you want to lead more effectively, don’t start by asking, “How can I get more done?” Ask instead, “What can I contribute today that will matter most?”
That question reframes your priorities. It invites focus, intention, and purpose. And over time, it transforms not just your productivity, but your leadership.
Contribution Over Clock
At the end of the day, true productivity isn’t about how many things you finished. It’s about whether you accomplished the things that mattered.
So as you go through your week, pause for a moment before diving into your list. Ask yourself:
Am I focused on the clock—or on my contribution?
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