The CURE For Pointless Work

Absolutely no one likes doing work that feels pointless. I don't care if you're the hardest working, most dedicated employee in the world, if you're being forced to carry out pointless tasks, you're going to get fed-up pretty quick. 

But more often than not, the issue isn't that the tasks being assigned are a complete waste of time. It's that there is a disconnection. 

A disconnection from the customer.
A disconnection from the outcome.
A disconnection from the reason why the work exists in the first place.

It’s hard to care about spreadsheets, systems or meetings if you don’t know what they’re building towards.

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Three Ways To Connect Your Tasks To Real Outcomes

1. Follow the work downstream

If you’re not sure why you’re doing something, trace it to the end user.

Ask:

• Who uses this once I’m done with it?

• What decisions or actions depend on it?

• What would break if it didn’t happen?

When you can see the chain from task to outcome, even basic jobs feel more useful. If you can’t see the chain, that’s a problem worth fixing.

2. Ask your manager what success really looks like

In an ideal world, the value and impact of the work you've been assigned should be clearly communicated (for any managers reading this, remember to convey that message to your team). If that value hasn't been explained, then try asking what needs to be achieved and what the big picture is. 

Demonstrating that you are coming from a point of learning here goes a long way. 

Try questions like:

• What outcome are we trying to create here?

• How will we know if this worked?

• What’s most important about this task?

Understanding what success looks like helps you prioritise and shape your work with purpose, not just box-ticking.

3. Show the impact of your own work

Even if no one else connects the dots, you can. Keep track of the outcomes you support, and reflect them back.

• Did your work help someone make a better decision?

• Did it reduce time, risk or waste?

• Did it lead to a good result for the customer or team?

The more you connect effort to impact, the easier it is to stay motivated - and to show your value when it matters.

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Two Quotes To Reflect On For The Week Ahead

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.”
– Steve Jobs

“Effort without purpose is draining. Effort with purpose is energising.”
– Simon Sinek

Meme of The Week

Sometimes, you just need to ask what it's all about...