Ever been in a meeting that could have been an email? Sat through a conversation where someone talks in circles without getting to the point? If that frustrates you, you’re not alone. High performers hate wasted time.
In any workplace, there’s a clear divide between those who get things done and those who just occupy space. High performers focus on execution. They want clarity, purpose, and momentum. They don’t mind collaboration or a bit of small talk, but only when it serves a purpose.
Then there are the people who fill their day with meaningless tasks, long-winded discussions, and unnecessary meetings, not because they’re busy, but because they want to look busy. Their goal isn’t efficiency; it’s just proving they exist.
The Water Cooler vs. Real Conversations
There’s a reason high performers avoid water cooler talk. It’s not that they dislike people—they just don’t see the point in shallow, routine conversations that don’t lead anywhere. They’d rather:
✅ Discuss new ideas, problems, and solutions.
✅ Get in, do their work, and get out.
✅ Spend time outside of work on things that actually matter.
That doesn’t mean high performers don’t socialise, but when they do, it’s intentional. They value real conversations, not the same meaningless back-and-forth every day.
Time-Wasting Culture Kills Productivity
One of the biggest red flags in a workplace? A culture that rewards time spent instead of outcomes delivered. If your success is measured by how long you sit at your desk rather than what you produce, something is broken.
- The Meeting Trap – Too many businesses default to meetings for everything, when half the time, a structured message would do the job faster.
- Bureaucracy for the Sake of It – Process is important, but not when it exists just to justify someone’s job.
- Reactive Overload – People who spend their whole day reacting to emails and Teams messages without ever making real progress.
If you’re a high performer, your time is your most valuable resource. Protect it. Set boundaries. Learn to say no. Prioritize deep work over performative busyness.
If you’re surrounded by people who waste time for the sake of it, it’s worth asking: Are you in an environment that values execution, or one that just values looking busy? Because the two aren’t the same.
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