Done Doesn't Always Mean Finished

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Why "Done" Doesn't Always Mean "Finished"

We’ve all seen it: A new project launches, a meeting is held, and a task is marked "Done." But months later, the business hasn't actually improved. We fell into the Checkbox Trap: confusing the completion of a task with the achievement of a result.

Are You Working, or Just Doing "Work Theater"?

The Checkbox Mindset leads to Work Theater, performing the appearance of productivity without moving the needle. It’s when we focus on "the list" instead of the reality.

The Checkbox: "I closed the ticket within the SLA time."
The Outcome: "The person who opened the ticket actually has what they need to work."

If a ticket is "resolved" in the system but the person on the shop floor or in the showroom is still stuck, that’s not a win, it's theater.

Stop Closing Tickets and Start Solving Problems

The checkbox is throwing a signed contract "over the fence." The outcome is ensuring Ops has the exact specs they need to actually build the kitchen without delays.
The checkbox is deploying a new software tool. The outcome is ensuring the team knows how to use it to save two hours of work a week.
The checkbox is buying cheaper materials to stay under budget. The outcome is sourcing materials that don't break or fail on the assembly line.
The checkbox is sending a weekly data spreadsheet. The outcome is providing insights that help managers make better decisions.

Imagine you want a garden.

The Checkbox: You buy a packet of seeds and put them on the counter. You check the box "Buy seeds." Technically, you’ve started.
The Outcome: You want to eat a tomato. That requires planting, watering, and weeding until the food is on the table.

We often "buy the seeds" (start the process, send the email) and act surprised when there’s no "tomato" (the result) a month later.

What can we change

To avoid the trap, we must change our mindset:

Stop asking: "Is this task finished?"
Start asking: "Is this working yet?"

If you just want to finish a list, you’re just checkboxing. If you want the company to improve, stay with the project until the outcome is achieved, not just until the ticket is closed.