Have you ever noticed how colleagues sometimes complete a task but don’t achieve the desired result? This often happens because people focus solely on completing the assigned action (the output) without understanding the bigger picture (the outcome).
Here’s the key difference:
- Output: The physical action you take, the deliverable you produce. (e.g., Writing a report, creating a presentation.)
- Outcome: The ultimate impact or result your work is supposed to achieve. (e.g., Getting the order, persuading an audience)
Many people fall into the “Output Trap,” simply completing the task as instructed without considering the desired outcome. This leads to wasted effort, missed opportunities, and, ultimately, frustration for everyone involved.
I share a simple mantra with anyone who cares to listen. Whenever you are assigned a task, don’t jump right in. Instead, take a moment to ask yourself:
- “Why am I being given this task?”
- “What is this task meant to achieve?”
Knowing how your work fits into the larger picture is important to have a sense of ownership and engagement. Therefore, your emphasis should always be on achieving the desired outcome rather than merely completing assigned tasks.