It's not how many hours you put in with a client or on a project. It's the quantity and quality of your energy - your focus and force - that determine whether that time is valuable.
Interpretation
Success is determined by the quality of your energy and focus rather than the number of hours worked.
This quote emphasizes that the effectiveness and value of work are not solely dependent on the time spent but are more closely tied to how engaged and focused one is during that time. It suggests that delivering high-quality energy and concentration can lead to more meaningful outcomes than simply working longer hours.
In practice
In a team meeting to discuss productivity improvement, this quote can highlight the importance of focused energy.
The most important asset you need to protect in order to manage the demands of a job or an investment portfolio is your production of energy. And, just like with money, if you do a great job managing your energy, you'll get a great return.
I've worked hard, but this business can be tough, and I just consider myself incredibly lucky to have had the career that I have, and to still be having so much fun playing drums and making music.
The goals is to create a really high 'floor' for this organization, where the 'off' years are years where you might win in the high-80s and sneak a division or a wild card or win 90 games and get in and find a way to win in October. And the great years, you win 103 and win the whole thing.
People ask how can a Jewish kid from the Bronx do preppy clothes? Does it have to do with class and money? It has to do with dreams.
My problem is I am Christian, so I think other people must have success, too; it's not about me.
Sometimes you can be one of the best, but you don't accept that if you don't get the ring or win the Super Bowl. There's a lot of good teams between the Super Bowl winner and other teams. Once the Super Bowl is over, we lump everyone into the other 31, and that's not fair.
Good is the enemy of great.. The vast majority of good companies remain just that - good, but not great.
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