Spotlight on Members: Perspectives on productivity
At the Institute of Managers and Leaders, we know how important productivity is for managers and leaders, especially in times of disruption. True productivity isn’t about ticking off more tasks, it’s about doing what matters, with clarity and balance, in an environment where people can thrive.
This month, we’re spotlighting two of our members who share how they’ve built productivity into their teams and leadership practice: Oliver Lynch CPMgr MIML, Senior Program Officer at the National Disability Insurance Agency, and Theresa Labuschagne CPMgr CMgr MIML, SHW Risk Systems Manager at KiwiRail.
Oliver Lynch
For Oliver, workplace culture determines how teams respond to disruption:
“Workplace culture is the anchor in turbulent times… When diverse people, skills and lived experiences come together with shared context and purpose, collaboration and resilience flourish.
He points to structured capability frameworks and agile stand-ups as tools that keep teams aligned, accountable, and connected. But he believes productivity must be balanced with wellbeing:
“Clarity is kindness… Productivity without wellbeing is short-lived.”
Personally, Oliver sets weekly objectives, practises reflection, and makes time for his health, including daily walks with his dogs. As he says:
“Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters.”
Theresa Labuschagne
Theresa also sees culture as central to resilience:
“Workplace culture is the anchor in turbulent times… When diverse people, skills and lived experiences come together with shared purpose, collaboration and resilience flourish.”
She credits data visualisation tools like Power BI, SmartSheet, and MiroBoard with transforming collaboration and risk-based decision-making across KiwiRail. But she’s candid that balance is a constant challenge:
“It’s not about finding a fixed point of balance, it ebbs and flows, so finding the rhythm is key.”
For Theresa, productivity starts with intention: deliberate planning, bringing energy to her team, and making space for storytelling and connection.
“Productivity isn’t just about ticking off tasks-it’s about creating the conditions where people want to work together towards something meaningful.”
Voices of leadership
Oliver and Theresa remind us that productivity is not a one-size-fits-all formula. It’s about culture, clarity, and creating the right conditions for people to bring their best. As leaders, these insights help us not just stay busy but build progress that lasts.
Take action on productivity through stronger leadership
At IML, we know that capable, engaged leaders are the key to lifting performance. Equip your managers and leaders with the skills to lead effectively and make a real difference.
Explore our leadership courses here.
