Enough: Time to Stop Doing these Stupid Things at Work

Last Tuesday, a group of colleagues and I spent 15 minutes brainstorming. That short session gave us a painfully clear list of things we do every day that add little to no value.

Result: a list of everyday habits that look busy, sound professional, and quietly destroy productivity.

So: we’re done. Here’s what needs to stop.

• Stop inviting everyone to everything.
  If someone can’t contribute, they shouldn’t be in the meeting. And if you’re invited “just in case,” decline. Your calendar isn’t a group chat.
• Stop creating “actions” with no owner.
  No owner = not an action. It’s a wish. Every action has one owner, one deadline, and a clear “done.”
• Stop vague talk.
  Say what you mean. Use examples. Be specific. And remember: silence is not agreement, it’s confusion, fear, or disengagement.
• Stop starting things you can’t finish.
  Starting is easy. Finishing is leadership. If you can’t define “done,” don’t start.
• Stop confusing kindness with avoiding hard conversations.
  We’re professionals. If someone consistently doesn’t deliver, address it. Coaching without consequences is just enabling.
• Stop hoping things will work out.
  Hope is not a strategy. If you want something to go well, own it. Fix it. Drive it. Especially when it’s messy.
• Stop staying quiet when you know it’s wrong.
  If something smells off, say it. If someone is selling nonsense, challenge it. Silence is how bad ideas become “alignment.”
• Stop doing work without knowing the point.
  If the requester can’t explain why it matters, the work probably doesn’t matter. Clarity first. Output second.
• Stop saying “yes” when the answer is “no.”
  Saying “it’ll work” when you know it won’t is just delayed failure, with extra frustration. Tell the truth early, even to your manager.
• Stop talking about people, talk to them.
  Gossip is the cheapest form of communication. If you have feedback, deliver it directly. Adult-to-adult.
• Stop booking one-hour meetings by default.
  Most meetings should be 15 minutes. Meetings are for decisions, not therapy, storytelling, or “keeping everyone in the loop.”

We’re done with office nonsense. Less performing. More delivering