The Productivity Illusion

For Technical Leaders, the days are often filled to the brim—standing meetings, KPI Reviews, project statusing, Stakeholder Check-ins, and more MS Teams messages than any human should endure. In the whirlwind, it’s easy to equate full calendars and overflowing to-do lists with being productive. But let’s be clear: busyness is not the same as productivity and does not lead to impact.

This is one of the most common and costly traps Technical Leaders fall into—confusing activity with achievement, i.e. The Productivity Illusion. The result? Burned-out teams, unclear priorities, and projects that inch forward without meaningful progress. In part one of the Top 5 Productivity Mistakes Technical Leaders Make series, let’s unpack why this mistake is so prevalent, how to spot it, and the practical shift that turns motion into momentum.

Take Mark* for example, a Sr. Engineering Manager at a SaaS company. Every week, his calendar was a battlefield—back-to-back meetings, constant data analysis, and late nights answering emails. His team saw him as hardworking, but often unavailable for real guidance.

Despite his packed schedule, the quarter ended with disappointing outcomes: missed deadlines, stagnant metrics, and a team that felt directionless. When his Director asked what went wrong, Mark had a realization—he had done a lot, but very little of it had moved the needle. After hearing more specifics during a 1:1 Strategy Session, I suggested he implement a simple weekly ritual called the “Impact Review.” Every Friday, I had Mark block out 30 minutes on his schedule to ask himself three key questions:

1. What did I do that moved the needle, i.e. created measurable value?

2. What did I spend time on that didn’t create meaningful results?

3. What do I need to focus on next week to drive real impact?

Over the next quarter, the difference was dramatic. Mark began to say “no” more often, delegate effectively, and design his week around strategic priorities rather than reactive tasks and busy work. He was able to shift from being the “Always-On Engineering Manager”, to being present and focused on tasks that actually supported his team’s big audacious goals (BAGs). He was then able to clearly articulate how the team’s day-to-day operations fit into the larger vision. His team’s morale improved, output became more aligned with business goals, and he reclaimed precious hours—without sacrificing performance. 

So how do you know if you’re making the mistake of confusing activity with achievement? First, remember that high output does not necessarily mean high value. If you’re constantly finishing each work day/week exhausted with no clear understanding of how your work contributed to your goals, then you might have succumbed to the common trap of constant meetings, endless emails, task-juggling—but no strategic progress. Remember, impactful work aligns with team goals, business outcomes, and customer value.

Technical Leaders often equate busyness with productivity. And I get it, being busy feels productive—but it’s a trap. True leadership impact isn’t about how much you do; it’s about what moves the business, the team, and the customer forward. When Technical Leaders shift their focus from activity to value, they unlock the kind of strategic productivity that drives sustainable growth.

Want a quick win? Start with the Impact Review this week. Ask the three questions above, and use your answers to guide next week with intention. Because when you lead with clarity, your impact multiplies. 🎯

💡 Want help aligning your leadership habits with strategic impact? Book a 1:1 Strategy Session with Dr. Cristi to elevate how you lead, prioritize, and perform—without burning out.

Looking forward to working with you to #EngineerBetterLeaders! ✨

*Actual client whose name has been changed