This Simple Change in Your Work Habits Could Skyrocket Your Productivity
Why moving fast at work could be your biggest mistake
By Henna Pryor
Your speed at work might be hurting you more than you know.
Do you know the difference between speed and velocity? Many of my clients use them interchangeably, but there's a critical distinction that can significantly impact your productivity and your ability to manage through uncertainty, disruption, and rapid change.
Most business owners operate in a fast-paced, high-pressure, results-oriented environment. Peak performance is non-negotiable if you're going to hit your big targets, reach your potential, and do all of that without completely losing your marbles in the process.
For me, the speed versus velocity distinction is personal. I've been praised my whole life for being fast. I think quickly, connect dots quickly, and even type so quickly that people have more than once accused me of just banging on the keyboard. I'm still a bit proud of that one, to be honest.
Speed in business matters, but in today's workplace, there's a price to pay for speed alone.
Speed versus velocity
Speed, by definition, is how fast you are traveling. Velocity, on the other hand, is how fast you are traveling in a specific direction. Think of speed like a hamster wheel: You're busy, you're active, you're working hard, but without a clear direction, all that effort might not be getting you anywhere meaningful.
Velocity is more like a road trip: You're moving with purpose, guided by your goals and direction. As you drive, your speed changes. Sometimes you're on the highway moving quickly; other times you're navigating through unbearably slow city traffic. Regardless of how fast you're going at a given moment, every bit of movement is taking you closer to your goal because you're traveling in a specific direction. Ideally with some pretty great road snacks in tow.
When you operate from speed alone, you might be moving quickly, but you might very well be moving in the wrong direction.
When it came to business, I learned I could think and type very quickly, but you know what else I could do quickly?
Outwardly react to someone I didn't agree with
Check off work that made me feel productive instead of the deep work I was trying to avoid
Decide if someone rubbed me the right way or not
Push away difficult emotions so I didn't have to deal with them and move on.
To build my adversity tolerance, I've had to learn to slow down, but also become more aware of which way the arrow of speed is pointed.
When fast isn't fantastic
Sometimes fast is fantastic for your business growth, but it's helpful to know when it isn't.
Let's say you're developing a new app. You might want to release updates quickly--speed--but you also want to release only those updates that add value and remove existing bugs--velocity. Experimentation helps distinguish between the two.
You can clarify which mode you're in by asking yourself these questions:
Think of a project or deliverable you're working on. Are you operating from speed alone? Or are you clear on your direction and using velocity to get you there faster?
Did the winds shift since you started? Are you traveling in a specific direction that's serving you best at this particular moment?
Sometimes slowing down for just a beat is all you need to shift the compass a few degrees and get back on track.
Recognizing speed versus velocity
I used to pride myself on how quickly I could get things done, but realize now that it's more important to move quickly in the right direction. How can you start to recognize when you're operating from speed instead of velocity?
Here's how I started making that shift:
Pause and do a progress check. Take a moment to check your bearings. Are you just ticking off boxes, or are you making meaningful progress toward your goals?
Adjust your path. If you find yourself off course, don't be afraid to make adjustments. Like a pilot who shifts the course by a few degrees, small shifts can lead to significant changes in destination.
Savor the slow moments. Use them as opportunities to reassess and realign your efforts with your ultimate objectives.
Three steps to prioritize velocity in your work
To ensure you're prioritizing velocity in the moments your business needs it, keep the following three steps in mind:
Write out clear goals. Define what you want to achieve and outline the steps to get there. This gives your efforts a pointed direction and purpose.
Prioritize deep work. Focus on tasks that contribute significantly to your goals, even if they take more time and effort.
Monitor your progress. Regularly check if you're on track. This helps you stay aligned with your goals and make necessary tweaks.
In certain stages of business, speed has its place, but in many cases, velocity moves you faster toward your goals and avoids unnecessary detours and distractions. It's a way to work smarter instead of harder.
Speed is exhilarating, but without direction, it's just movement. By focusing on velocity, you ensure that your efforts are not just fast but also effective. Take time to reflect and realign, and then slam your foot onto that gas pedal with purpose. Your future self will thank you for it.