Meditations On Leadership
These are my thoughts on leadership related topics and ideas. It is meant to be a sort of journal for me and if you find it useful than I am happy to have helped.
"Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." -Parkinson’s Law The basic idea behind Parkinson's Law is that no matter how much time you give work, work will expand to fill up the time. This isn't a law like the Law of Gravity, which is always true, it is more an observation of a trend but it is so frequently observed that it is simpler to expect it than it is hope for a different outcome. In my personal experience and observation I would add to Parkinson's Law by saying that "Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion and regardless of the amount of time given 80% of the work is done in the last 20% of the time given." Basically, unless there is real passion in the work, people put off today what they can do tomorrow until they run out of time so if you give a generous amount of time for a project to be completed don't expect it to be finished early. Leadership LessonAlways give enough time for a project but don't be overly generous with the time you give because you will never get it back. Also, if you can inspire passion in your people you won't have to worry about Parkinson's Law because once people are inspired they will tackle the work with energy and drive.
2 Comments
Craig Roberts
3/7/2021 03:29:19 pm
I like your assessment. This is a law that tends to be true for unmotivated dispassionate people. What would it read like for passionate motivated people?
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J. LaVarr
3/7/2021 08:43:11 pm
I believe that passionate people can have the same problem. It is easy to spend a lot of energy on something you love and if you are passionate enough about something it is easy to get lost in the labor of love. I have seen passionate people fill up the whole time trying to perfect their work when they easily could have delivered a final product that was more than satisfactory in a fraction of the time. I think it takes a mixture of passion, discipline, and understanding in order to avoid falling into the trap that is Parkinson's Law. You must love what you do while understanding your client's/boss' needs and wants and have the discipline to temper your passions with the reality of the situation. Which is really a rare mixture but not unheard of.
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AuthorJ. LaVarr Roberts Archives
April 2021
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