The Productivity Secret of Quincy Jones
Legendary musician, composer, and producer Quincy Jones died last week at the age of 91. Few artists have been as commercially successful or prolific as Jones during his more than seven decades of musical influence.
He won 28 Grammy Awards, a National Medal of Arts, and placed his fingerprints on music icons that included Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Lionel Hampton, and Dizzy Gillespie. His output as a writer and producer was nothing short of astounding.
So, what allowed Jones to become so productive? What made him so prolific? The answer is that he bucked a trend and made a commitment to how he executed ideas and projects that are contrary to what most creative artists and leaders do.
In a world of multi-tasking executives and artists, Jones insisted on tackling one task at a time and not leaving it until it was finished.
Early in his life, Jones’ father told him, “Once a task is just begun, never leave it ‘til it’s done.” Those words stayed with Jones for his entire career, and he committed to them with every assignment. Whether writing a song or producing a recording, he worked diligently on that project and that project alone. Nothing else got through.
Unlike many artists, Jones chose not to distance himself from an assignment or seek a fresh perspective when he was stuck. Instead, he pushed through and stayed with a task or project until it was 100 percent completed.
Surely, he took the time to eat, sleep, and engage in peripheral tasks, but his approach was to complete each task before starting on another one. He ignored requests and avoided distraction, preferring to concentrate all his efforts on one project at a time until it was put to bed.
The result of this approach was an extraordinary level of production and unmatched output.
If the commitment to one task at a time transforms a self-promise into reality, Jones was a triumphant example of the power of concentrated effort.
The idea of one-task-at-at-a-time-until-completion is worth considering. While it is exceedingly difficult to do, especially given the many priorities and issues a leader faces every day, it can have a striking impact on personal productivity.
Perhaps applying this wisdom to even one task each day would promote more effectiveness. Nothing is more satisfying than fully completing an important project or task.
Jones knew the power of this satisfaction one project at a time. So should you.
I am usually not a fan of the “here’s how a great person does it” narratives since I find them over-simplified and largely fictional, but I appreciate this insight into Q.
When I was a manager, I struggled with distractions and shifting priorities. I almost felt guilty when I devoted myself to one task even when I knew that’s what I should do.
Even now, I recently made the mistake of committing to two major projects. I thought I could do them in tandem, but I’m productive only when I focus entirely on one for a given period (usually days). Jones had it right!
Good morning,
I am not familiar with Quincy Jones. I appreciate you putting him on my radar.
I do not see that working too well in management. Given that there are almost always interruptions. I was taught, those interruptions are what I am being paid to handle.
Regarding hobbies and outside learning, I can see that type of perseverance valuable. For example, I prefer reading one book at a time. There multiple benefits to operating this way. That said, anyone that has been to college knows they don't operate this way (This was one main reason I dropped out after three semesters in my early twenties.). Doesn't seem logical does it....?
Thank you for your time.