Why smart workers aren’t busy doing nothing

Why smart workers aren't busy doing nothing

Want to know the secret to success? Peter Foy reckons it’s all about using your energy wisely. Here’s how

“It’s true hard work never killed anybody, but I figure, why take the chance?” Ronald Reagan.

Compare the words of a former president of the United States of America with the work ethic and philosophy of Elon Musk, billionaire CEO of Tesla and other high-tech companies. Musk claims to work 120 hours a week, while Reagan was famed for his laid-back approach to life.

For every swan drifting over the surface of a lake, there’s a pair of legs doing a lot of work beneath.  

So the question I’m thinking about is: who’s right?

Busy fools and smart workers

We have all experienced the busy fool as a colleague. That person who is always early at their desk and late to leave, but actually achieves very little. The one who is quick to tell you about their long hours and the awesome responsibility that comes with their job, but who doesn’t really make an impact on the workplace.

At the other extreme is the professional who appears to glide effortlessly through the working day, taking everything in their stride. This person makes it look simple to win deals, easily exceeds targets and still manages to enjoy a great life. They probably have a beautiful family, a dream house and a fantastic future. It’s hard not to feel a little envious of the ease with which they live, even while acknowledging their brilliance.

Of course, we all know that nothing is as straightforward as it seems. Even those people with an apparently charmed existence, titans of time-management who coast through life with all the grace of an accomplished ice skater, have moments of self-doubt. For every swan drifting over the surface of a lake, there’s a pair of legs doing a lot of work beneath.

But there is a valuable lesson to learn from these two stereotypical extremes – and that’s about the need to expend energy wisely in order to succeed.

Why smart workers aren't busy doing nothingInputs and outputs

Over the past 40 years I have learnt that successful professionals, be they software developers, sales folk or recruiters, share a pattern of behaviour.

With salespeople if you take a snapshot of activity halfway through a quarter, some will already have made the target and be building pipeline for the next quarter. They are organised, steady and structured in their approach. They identify priorities, work methodically and with dedication, and get things done. As a result, they can enjoy their downtime, secure in the knowledge that work is going to plan. And it’s all thanks to careful planning and appropriate application.

Those, hopefully the minority, who haven’t adopted these virtuous habits things look very different. Their targets aren’t close to being met, let alone beaten. They’ve no prospects for the next quarter, because they’ve barely planned to the end of this week. And they look constantly harassed, like butterflies flitting from flower to flower but never resting.

In short, they’re busy fools. 

People deliver results

Now, it’s my responsibility as a manager and leader to help these people develop the right habits. Which is why staff training and development are so important to business success. Invest in your people and you’ll reap the rewards. It’s as true now as it’s ever been.

What’s also true is that, if you get the right people in place, your chances of succeeding increase dramatically. We can help with that, because it’s our business to find the employees who will make your organisation take flight.

So, if I can help my staff to work smart, it’ll increase the chances of your staff following suit. Sounds like a good bit of business for all concerned, doesn’t it?

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may like: 
The knowledge: find out what you stand for
Surprising jobs celebs did before they were famous (no. 4 is completely unexpected!)

 

Published: 24 February 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

 

Jobs currently available

New job
Customer Service Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC7
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Witham to recruit a Customer Service Administrator to join their long-standing team.

You will be responsible for delivering a high level of customer service to both regular customers and internal stakeholders, including production, accounts, transport, and the sales team. You will work towards key KPIs to ensure that the highest standards of customer service are maintained and continuously improved.

Duties include:

  • Vet customer orders ready for processing onto the system.
  • This includes applying the correct delivery dates to suit the customer requirements whilst ensuring it fits in with the production dates, capabilities and delivery areas.
  • Proactive response to answering the telephone within 3 rings.
  • Enthusiastic attitude to deal with and resolve customers' queries or issues promptly.
  • Proactively follow up with customers to resolve queries if they have not responded. Ensure all verbal correspondence is confirmed in writing and the system is updated with correct information.
  • Support the end-of-month invoicing procedure, investigate and find any missing delivery notes.
  • Routinely speak to key accounts and regular customers to grow a productive working relationship with them.

Key skills:

  • Exceptional customer service skills - must have a friendly and positive phone manner.
  • Energetic, self-driven and motivated.
  • Excellent attention to detail.
  • Ability to continually multitask.
  • Ability to prioritise your time to plan and organise your day.
  • Ability to learn and absorb information.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30am - 5.00pm.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Logistics Administrator
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913731
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Logistics Administrator to join their team on a full-time basis.

The key purpose of this role is to support the warehouse/logistics team with all admin and office-based tasks, managing the transport and delivery of products as required.

Key duties include:

  • Managing stock levels and ensuring timely deliveries, reviewing sales orders and assigning which stock should be picked in line with first-in-first-out (FIFO) principles.
  • Monitoring warehouse activities, including shipping and receiving, making sure the quality of goods received and goods sent out is to the right standard and supported by the correct documentation.
  • Ensuring paperwork is filed and available to be accessed by any auditors.
  • Tracking deliveries in/out and providing updates to customers and sales colleagues.
  • Work closely with colleagues across different departments to ensure successful and timely delivery to customers, and that the company have the raw materials needed to successfully produce the finished product.
  • Requesting certificates of analysis from the quality team and ensuring the relevant pallet and delivery labels, as well as relevant paperwork, are attached to all deliveries to customers.
  • Carrying out regular stock takes of raw materials and finished products.
  • Calling off raw materials from 3rd party warehouses in line with production plans to ensure production never runs out of materials.

Role requirements include:

  • Proficiency in logistics systems and processes.
  • Experience in warehouse operations.
  • Knowledge of supply chain management principles.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills - you pick up the phone or speak to people in person where possible instead of sending an email.
  • Strong attention to detail.
  • Computer literate – able to follow processes across different systems and maintain records in Excel.
  • Excellent organisational and time-management skills, ability to organise own workload and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and lead times required for deliveries to different locations/customers.
  • Able to work autonomously or as part of a team, you take a positive, proactive, problem-solving approach to tasks.

The working hours for this role are Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm.

This is an office/site-based role.

Due to the working location, you will need access to your own transport.

This role offers a competitive salary with company benefits, and it is an excellent time to join the expanding business.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Business Development Manager
Sector: Sales
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC14
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic and results-driven Business Development Manager to join an exciting company based on the outskirts of Ipswich.

You will play a crucial role in driving the company's growth by developing and executing strategic sales plans, expanding the customer base, and ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This role is essential for achieving the company's sales targets and maintaining its competitive edge in the market.

Duties include:

  • Developing and implementing a business development sales plan to achieve company objectives, including: Team leadership, development, motivation, performance monitoring and reporting.
  • Carrying out outbound sales calls to meet sales targets/telemarketing.
  • Managing client sales appointments.
  • Client visits to determine needs and develop proposals to meet these.
  • Securing new sales orders via quotations, proposals and trials.
  • Identifying and targeting new business opportunities to expand the customer base.
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with existing and potential clients.
  • Monitoring market trends and competitor activities to identify opportunities and threats.
  • Preparing, presenting sales reports and forecasts to senior management.

Skills required include:

  • Strong negotiation, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
  • Highly motivated, proactive, and able to work independently and with the sales team, willingness to learn.
  • In-depth understanding of sales performance metrics and data analysis.
  • Ability to travel as required and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Benefits include:

  • Competitive salary and looking to develop performance-based bonuses.
  • Supportive and collaborative work environment.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
Accounts Administrator (Full or Part-time)
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913707
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a well-regarded and long-standing family business based on the outskirts of Colchester to recruit an Accounts Administrator to their team.

Working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm. The hours can be flexible, including a four-day work week or school-friendly hours.

Please note that due to the location, you will need to drive.

You will need to have a minimum of 3 years’ experience working with Sage 50 accounts and Sage payroll, with the ability to work on your own initiative.

The role is focused within the remit of bookkeeping up to the trial balance, using Sage software.

Duties include:

  • Ensuring timely and accurate recording of financial transactions.
  • Daily financial operations, including posting supplier invoices, reconciliation of supplier accounts, accounts payable management, creation of customer invoices, accounts receivable management, etc.
  • Performing bank/credit-card reconciliations, including a factoring banking account and petty cash accounts.
  • Quarterly VAT returns and analysis. (including RTI submission to HMRC).
  • Preparing weekly aged creditors reports and processing the weekly supplier payment run accordingly.
  • Preparing monthly aged debtors reports and providing credit control where required.
  • Maintaining the cashflow forecast for the Finance director to review.
  • Processing monthly payroll, payments, journal entries and year-end procedures (including RTI submission to HMRC)
  • Managing auto-enrolment pension contributions, submissions and legal returns to the pensions regulator.

Skills required include:

  • Significant experience in finance or accounting.
  • Proficiency with accounting software Sage 50 and payroll.
  • Advanced knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Experience in data entry.
  • Effective decision-making and problem-solving techniques within a finance environment.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
H&S & Facilities Support Coordinator (12 month contract)
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary
Job ref: JC13
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for an H&S & Facilities Support Coordinator to join an exciting company based in Ipswich.

In this fast-paced role, you’ll play a key part in supporting the Health & Safety and Facilities teams by coordinating procedures, managing documentation, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. The position requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a process-driven environment.

As this is a maternity cover position, you will need to hit the ground running; previous experience within a similar role will be vital to your success in the role.

Duties include:

  • Maintaining up-to-date maintenance records and electronic files, ensuring compliance requirements are met regarding the servicing and repairs at the company premises.
  • Providing reception/switchboard cover (during lunches, absences, and holidays).
  • Assisting with the management of the programme of planned and unplanned works.
  • Taking responsibility for contractors working on the premises.
  • Supporting H&S/ISO team in all aspects of administration.
  • Performing admin support with amendments/updates to H&S/ISO policies, procedures, and standards.
  • Assisting with ISO standards administration.

Skills required:

  • Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy.
  • Ability to prioritise tasks and manage workload effectively.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a confident telephone manner.
  • Proven organisational and administrative abilities.
  • A proactive, supportive team player with a hands-on approach.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and database systems.
  • Comfortable working under tight deadlines.

Hybrid working is available after successfully completing the probationary period. The role requires 3 days per week in the office, with the option to work up to 2 days from home.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more