Most people assume that some people are more productive than others - and for some jobs, that is clearly true.  But for many people, their productivity is determined by ‘the system’, the technology and the productivity or performance of the people around them - at the previous workstation, for example.

So, should we worry about individual performance or concentrate our attention on that system.

Well, it’s not necessarily a simple question to answer.

The reason that in some jobs or roles, people are more productive is due to a number of possible factors - experience, skill, attitude, motivation, etc.  it would be foolish not to pay attention to skill levels - to make sure our employees (all our employees) have the tools, equipment and skills they need.

If they all have those factors provides, the ‘system’ is likely to be more effective.

So, work at the system level and the individual level to improve productivity.