Are You A Productivity Evangelist?
Wednesdays are simplicity days at SimpleProductivity blog.
What do you think of when I say the word “evangelist”? Chances are you think religion. But evangelists aren’t just for religion.
Evangelism, according to dictionary.com, is “missionary zeal, purpose, or activity.” And missionary, by the same source, is “a person strongly in favor of a program, set of principles, etc., who attempts to persuade or convert others.” Evangelists are everywhere, every day.
Writing this blog, I am the target of a lot of productivity evangelists. I get frequent emails from people telling me I am doing things incorrectly or if I make a certain tweak or I am not seeing the point behind the system or I need to try [insert name of software, device, technique] because it will solve all my problems and will make my life so wonderful that I will vomit rainbows.
Here’s the thing: while evangelists believe 100% in their cause, evangelists do not take into account the varying circumstances of their evangel-ees.
How To Tell If You Are A Productivity Evangelist
There’s a very simple test to determine evangelists versus those who share what works for them.
It’s a simple question everyone should ask themselves.
The question is simple this: Did they ask?
Did someone ask you for suggestions for a specific problem? Or did you spot a “problem” and offer a solution?
Did someone ask for your critique on how they implement something, or did you see a deviation and decide to put them back on the path?
Did someone ask you for your interpretation of a system/technique/software/device? Or did you force it on them because “everyone should do this”?
Do you start the sentence with “have you considered?” Or “you need to try/do” ?
What do you do if someone is hesitant to do things as you see the right way to be? Are you cool with it? Or are you condescending and nasty? Do you talk down to people? Do you send nasty emails?
What To Do If You Are An Evangelist
Stop. Just stop.
There is no prize for the number of people you are converting. And it could cost you some real relationships, or your reputation.
After all, how long will you continue to listen to someone who constantly tells you that you are doing something wrong?
Why Productivity Evangelism Doesn’t Work
Productivity systems should be a flexible combination of methods, devices, tools and theories that work for an individual.
Productivity systems are more like toolboxes where you know what the purpose of each tool is, and when to use it. Your toolbox may contain a screwdriver. Mine might contain a screwdriver bit attached to a portable drill. Or we both may have both tools, and choose to use them at different times.
My productivity system won’t look like yours. Yours won’t look like mine.
In fact, I will go so far to say that the totality of a productivity system is like underwear. What works for me might be inappropriate for you. But they all get the job done.
Conclusion
I know this is outside the usual vein of my writing. I usually only get one or two troll emails a week, and the rest are from my lovely readers who are sharing experiences, or asking if I have considered something. The majority of the email coming into my box in the last three weeks has been rather negative, preachy and/or downright insulting and nasty. It’s a change that is not for the better, and it’s given me a lot of things to think about.
I hope that I do not unintentionally fall into the category of productivity evangelist. I try to write about different techniques and what has worked for me. Being on the receiving side of this for years has made me more sensitive to not shoving something down someone’s throat.
Over to the Readers
What do you think?
Photo by walknboston. Licensed under Creative Commons.
