Work isn’t about showing up and sitting in one spot. It’s about getting something accomplished.

Why isn’t this true of our jobs? Why, for most of us, is attendance the factor that determines whether we were a “good” employee for the year?

Now don’t get me wrong. Some businesses need to have people working 9 to 5. I would be upset if I sent my daughter to school only to find out her teacher didn’t show up, because she didn’t want to conform to school hours. But does the marketing manager need to be at the office from 9 to 5? If so, why? What are the reasons?

Or would their time be better off practicing skills?

Too much of business is determined by habit and not science, reason, or even creative thinking.  So check out more of this on my latest Upmarket column: What Business Can Learn From the NFL Playoffs -

Q:  What do you call someone who plays in the NFL but doesn’t practice?

A:  Unemployed.

The NFL is not a multi-billion dollar industry by accident.  Sure it’s an exciting sport.  But at the heart of its success is the fact that everyone involved must practice to keep their job.  You must run efficient routes to be a great receiver.  Success as a quarterback means the ability to throw the ball with speed and accuracy.  Linemen must read blocking schemes and maintain a delicate balance of strength, weight, and agility.

The same is true of other sports.  To be a great golfer you must put in hours upon hours of practice.  If you want success in basketball you must spend hours practicing jump shots and free throws.

Sadly, where this is not true is in most of our jobs.  We can see the connection between success and practice in sports.  But we don’t make that connection as easily when it comes to accounting, leadership, or marketing.  Practice is for athletes.  Not white-collar jobs.  Or so the thinking goes.

image provided by flickr user spullara