Tag: decision making

The Paradox of Productivity: Embracing the Lion’s Work Ethic


In our fast-paced world, productivity is often hailed as the key to success. We are constantly told to work harder, longer, and faster to achieve our goals. However, there exists a paradox within this notion of productivity, one that draws inspiration from the majestic lion’s work ethic. Just like the king of the jungle, we can learn to balance our efforts by embracing the art of sprinting, resting, and repeating. Let’s delve into this paradox and explore how incorporating moments of rest can actually boost productivity and lead to more sustainable success.

Sprint: Unleashing the Lion’s Roar
The lion is a symbol of power and strength, renowned for its explosive bursts of energy when hunting. Similarly, in our work lives, there are moments when we must unleash our inner lion and sprint towards our goals with unwavering focus. These sprints represent periods of intense effort and dedication, where we give our best to achieve significant milestones. During these phases, we prioritize tasks, eliminate distractions, and channel our energy like the mighty lion chasing its prey.

Rest: The Power of the Lion’s Slumber
Yet, even the most powerful of beasts needs to rest after a hunt. Rest is not a sign of weakness; rather, it is a crucial aspect of maintaining a sustainable work ethic. Just as the lion conserves its energy during periods of inactivity, we too must recognize the importance of downtime. Rest allows us to recharge our minds and bodies, promoting creativity, better decision-making, and enhanced problem-solving abilities. Embracing rest doesn’t equate to laziness; instead, it is an investment in our long-term productivity and well-being.

Repeat: Embracing Cycles for Lasting Success
The beauty of the lion’s work ethic lies in its cyclical nature. After each sprint and rest, the lion doesn’t shy away from repeating the process when hungry again. Similarly, we must adopt a mindset of perseverance and adaptability in our work lives. Embracing the idea of cycles enables us to continually improve, learn from our experiences, and refine our strategies. By acknowledging that success is not linear but consists of ups and downs, we become better equipped to handle challenges and stay on the path towards our goals.

Breaking the Paradox: A Harmonious Blend
To break the paradox of productivity, we must realize that embracing both the sprint and the rest is not an either-or proposition. Instead, it is a harmonious blend of the two that leads to sustained success. By aligning our work habits with the lion’s example, we can achieve a state of balance and flow, optimizing our performance and overall well-being.

Practical Tips for Embracing the Lion’s Work Ethic:

  1. Prioritize tasks and set specific sprint periods for focused work.
  2. During sprints, eliminate distractions and create a conducive work environment.
  3. Incorporate short breaks throughout the day to recharge and rejuvenate.
  4. Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques during rest periods.
  5. Reflect on past experiences to learn from successes and challenges.
  6. Embrace flexibility and adaptability, knowing that progress is not always linear.
  7. Celebrate accomplishments, no matter how small, to boost motivation and morale.


In the paradox of productivity, the lion’s work ethic teaches us valuable lessons about the power of balance and cycles. By sprinting towards our goals with focus, resting to recharge, and repeating the process, we can achieve sustainable success while maintaining our well-being. Embrace the paradox, and let the spirit of the lion guide you on your journey to a more fulfilling and productive life. Remember, it’s not about working harder all the time; it’s about finding the harmony between exertion and rejuvenation, just like the king of the jungle.

The Power of Character

Leadership is a fundamental aspect of every successful organization. However, there is one significant aspect of leadership that often gets overlooked – character. Character is more than ethics, it’s a crucial element that influences decision-making processes, overall performance, and the culture of an organization. When adequately fostered, character can become a competitive edge leading to better decisions and outcomes.

The Misunderstanding of Character

MIT research, sparked by the 2008 global economic crisis, involved interviewing over 300 business leaders across the globe. The consensus was clear – the character of leaders had significantly contributed to the crisis. However, the definition of character and whether it could be developed remained topics of contention.

Many leaders underestimate the concept of character, reducing it to ethics alone. This narrow perception is a significant oversight. Character forms the bedrock of judgment, impacting the choices made by individuals every minute, every day. It’s the micro-moments between stimulus and response where character-driven judgment comes into play.

The Impact of Character on Performance

Character-based judgment is a potent tool for superior performance, and its absence can explain instances of misconduct and poor decision-making. This was evident in high-profile cases like the global financial crisis, the Volkswagen emissions scandal, and the Boeing 737 Max tragedies. In these instances, there was ample technical competence, but character was noticeably missing. The fallout from these events underscores the impact of compromised character, showing how it can lead to a slippery slope of poor judgment and decision-making.

The Broader Influence of Character

While character undeniably supports ethical decision-making, its reach extends far beyond being “good.” Character influences individual well-being, fosters sustained excellence, and contributes to the overall health of an organization. It matters at all levels of the organization, not just in leadership. When we broaden our understanding of character, we can begin to see its influence in every aspect of our organizations.

In an era where organizations are constantly seeking competitive advantages, character offers a largely untapped resource. It’s time we recognized the significant role of character in shaping our organizational cultures and driving superior performance. After all, character is not just about being “good” – it’s about making good decisions, fostering positive relationships, and leading successful organizations. By nurturing character in our leaders and employees, we can build stronger, more resilient organizations that are not only successful but also contribute positively to society.

Unlocking Success: The Key Strategies for Project Valuation and Post-Completion Analysis


After completing a project, it is crucial for project management offices (PMOs) to assess the value generated by the project and determine its impact on the overall business. Project valuation plays a vital role in measuring the success and efficiency of an endeavor, enabling organizations to make informed decisions for future ventures. In this blog, we will explore the concept of project valuation post-project completion, focusing on the five key variables of business valuation according to Damodaran: revenue growth, profitability, reinvestment efficiency, discount rate, and failure risk.

  1. Revenue Growth:
    Revenue growth is a fundamental factor in determining the value of a project. However, it is essential to note that growth alone does not guarantee increased value. Efficiently achieving revenue growth is key. PMOs must assess the project’s ability to generate sustainable revenue growth, considering factors such as market demand, customer acquisition, and competitive positioning. By analyzing revenue growth, organizations can ascertain the long-term profitability and viability of the project.
  2. Profitability:
    Profitability is a crucial variable in project valuation, as it directly affects the financial health of the organization. PMOs need to evaluate the project’s profitability by analyzing key financial indicators such as net income, gross margin, and return on investment. Assessing profitability helps determine if the project has achieved its financial objectives and if it has contributed positively to the organization’s bottom line.
  3. Reinvestment Efficiency:
    Reinvestment efficiency refers to how effectively the project utilizes its resources for future growth and expansion. PMOs should evaluate the project’s reinvestment efficiency by examining how well it manages capital expenditure, research and development initiatives, and other investments necessary to sustain growth. Efficient reinvestment practices ensure that the project can continue to generate value and capitalize on opportunities in the long run.
  4. Discount Rate:
    The discount rate is a critical variable in project valuation as it reflects the organization’s required rate of return or cost of capital. PMOs should consider the risk associated with the project and adjust the discount rate accordingly. A higher discount rate implies a higher perceived risk and thus a lower project valuation. By accurately determining the appropriate discount rate, PMOs can make reliable assessments of the project’s financial feasibility and attractiveness.
  5. Failure Risk:
    Assessing failure risk is essential in project valuation as it helps PMOs identify potential pitfalls and take corrective measures. PMOs should analyze factors that may contribute to project failure, such as market volatility, competitive pressures, regulatory changes, and internal challenges. Mitigating failure risks through proactive risk management strategies enhances the project’s value and overall organizational resilience.


Post-project completion, PMOs play a critical role in evaluating the value generated by a project. By considering the five key variables of business valuation – revenue growth, profitability, reinvestment efficiency, discount rate, and failure risk – PMOs can make informed decisions regarding the project’s success and its impact on the organization’s overall performance. Efficiently achieving revenue growth and profitability, optimizing reinvestment practices, determining the appropriate discount rate, and mitigating failure risks are all crucial aspects of effective project valuation. By applying these concepts, PMOs can enhance their decision-making processes, drive organizational growth, and ensure the long-term success of their projects.