Are You Working Hard… or Working Right?

When we think of improving productivity, many of us jump straight to time management: a better to-do list, a slick new app, or waking up an hour earlier. But what if real productivity isn’t about managing time at all?

What if it’s about managing your energy?

At CKLD, we regularly challenge managers to think differently about their development. Today, we’re inviting you to reframe your approach to productivity. Not by working harder, but by working right.

Rethinking the Productivity Equation

Let’s be honest—most of us were raised on the idea that effort equals results. Try harder, stay later, push more. But what if the issue isn’t your effort? What if it’s your direction?

We often spend our days busy, but not effective. Ticking boxes, responding to emails, sitting in meetings… and still feeling like we’re falling behind. That could be because we’re pouring our energy into tasks that don’t play to our natural strengths.

Let me introduce you to Sam.

Meet Sam

Sam wasn’t the loudest in school. He didn’t dominate the classroom, but he had a gift for connecting with people. He knew when his friends were struggling and was always the first to help. Teachers labelled him as quiet, distracted, or a daydreamer. But the truth? Sam was wired differently.

Fast forward 25 years: Sam is now a Director of HR in the NHS. He’s leading complex change, building strong teams, and thriving in a system full of pressure and ambiguity. And he’s not doing it by fixing his flaws—he’s doing it by leaning into his strengths:

• Relator – deeply builds trust and meaningful connections

• Adaptability – flexible in fast-moving environments

• Maximiser – turns good into great

• Strategic – sees patterns and future paths

• Responsibility – follows through on commitments, always

What once looked like “not trying hard enough” turned out to be exactly what made Sam exceptional.

The Problem with Fixing Ourselves

Too often, we’re told to “improve” by focusing on what’s wrong. From school reports to workplace appraisals, the message is often: “Try harder at what you’re bad at.”

But here’s the thing: nobody becomes exceptional by focusing on their weaknesses. Elite athletes don’t spend time fixing what they’re bad at—they refine what they already do well. They chase marginal gains. Just 1% better… every day.

Finding Your Strengths

Want to test this idea?

Take a moment to reflect:

• When were you energised and focused last week?

• When were you proud of how you handled something?

• What were you doing when time just flew by?

Note not just what you were doing—but how you were doing it. Those moments often reveal your strengths in action.

And here's the truth: what feels easy to you may be remarkable to others. That’s where your productivity potential lies.

Sarah’s Shift

Sarah, a solicitor, came to us feeling burnt out. Her workload was full of admin and people management—tasks she didn’t enjoy and didn’t align with her strengths.

After profiling her, we discovered her top strength was Strategic. She thrived on solving complex problems and long-term planning. So, we helped her restructure her role to focus more on strategy, delegate admin, and empower others.

The result? Her productivity increased by over 25%, and her engagement—and energy—returned.

Time for a Productivity Reset

Here’s a quick reset exercise you can do now:

1. What’s draining my energy right now?

2. What do I keep putting off—and why?

3. What’s something I’m good at that I’m not using enough?

Look for just one small shift you can make next week. Maybe it’s how you approach a task—not which task you choose. These tweaks compound over time.

The Data Behind It

Still not convinced?

Gallup’s research tells us that people who use their strengths daily are:

• 6x more likely to be engaged

• 12.5% more productive

• Teams focused on strengths see up to 20% higher profits

Yet only 1 in 5 UK workers say they use their strengths at work every day.

One More Example: Lyn's Pivot

Lyn, an accountant in Birmingham, was great with numbers but hated presenting. It drained her confidence and energy. So, we restructured her workload—she focused on complex financial modelling, while a colleague strong in Communication took the lead in presentations.

Productivity increased, accuracy improved, and both employees were happier.

So… What’s the One Thing You’ll Shift?

Back to you.

What’s one small change you can make next week?

• Something you’ll stop, start, or do differently?

• Something that would move you even 10% closer to working in your strengths zone?

High performers don’t fix everything—they double down on what works.

In Summary

Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing more of what you do best. When you use your strengths intentionally, you’ll not only get more done—you’ll get the right things done, with less stress and greater satisfaction.

So, what’s your strength?

And where could you use it more?

And the best part?

It’s already in you. You just have to use it.