“We Don’t Pay for Effort” – The Workplace Lie That’s Killing Innovation
Why ignoring the grind stifles creativity, growth, and real success.
This article is part of the Becoming You track where we explore growing into the best version of yourself—because when you thrive, everything around you transforms.
The Hard Truth I Learned in One Performance Review
I sat at the long mahogany table, my hands clasped tight.
This was my first performance review session as a newly appointed middle manager, and I was ready to soak up every bit of wisdom.
Around me, senior execs in crisp suits listened as the Executive Director delivered his verdict, their faces unreadable.
"We don’t reward effort—we reward results. That’s business."
The words landed like a punch.
The room seemed to nod in agreement.
But I didn’t.
Moments earlier, I had watched a brilliant, hardworking colleague receive pointed criticism during his quarterly performance review.
Not because he lacked skill.
Not because he didn’t push through impossible challenges.
But because his project didn’t hit the exact ROI target—despite the tireless dedication.
His efforts were reduced to a footnote in the final numbers, as if the obstacles he overcame didn’t matter.
The 80-hour weeks.
The personal sacrifices.
The relentless problem-solving.
All dismissed with the same cold phrase: "We don’t pay for effort. We pay for results."
And that, my friends, is a complete farce.
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Before You Dismiss This, Hear Me Out
I’m not saying we should hand out participation trophies.
Results matter.
Accountability matters.
But the idea that effort is worthless?
That’s a dangerous mindset.
It kills innovation.
It crushes morale.
It creates a culture where people play it safe instead of taking bold, meaningful risks.
I’ve felt it firsthand—the projects I poured my soul into, only to be derailed by factors beyond my control.
The risks that didn’t immediately pay off but led to long-term breakthroughs.
So why do we act like success is so black and white, with no room for the gray in between?
The Trade-Offs of a Results-Driven Mindset
When we ignore effort and focus only on results, here’s what we’re really saying:
🚫 Don’t take risks. If the risk doesn’t pay off immediately, your effort is worthless.
🚫 Don’t innovate. Innovation is messy and unpredictable—two things results-driven cultures hate.
🚫 Don’t grow. Growth requires failure before success, but failure is penalized.
🚫 Don’t be human. Life happens. Unexpected challenges arise. None of that matters if you don’t hit the target.
Is this really the kind of mindset we want?
One that fixates on the destination while devaluing the journey?
Why Meaningful Effort Matters
Let me be clear:
I’m not talking about busy work or clocking hours for show.
I’m talking about meaningful, strategic, intentional effort—the kind that:
✅ Pushes boundaries and tests new approaches
✅ Develops new skills and capabilities
✅ Creates learning that drives impact
✅ Demonstrates resilience and a growth mindset
✅ Lays the foundation for future success
This kind of effort isn’t a consolation prize.
It’s the backbone of long-term, sustainable achievement.
Let’s Get Personal
This isn’t just a workplace issue—it’s woven into our daily lives.
How many times have we abandoned a fitness journey because the scale didn’t budge, even though every workout made us stronger?
How often do we quit learning a new skill because progress felt too slow, even though real growth was happening beneath the surface?
And as parents, do we really want to raise children who believe their worth is measured only by outcomes—rather than by effort, persistence, and character?
This mindset isn’t just about work.
It shapes how we show up in life.
Effort Does Matter—When It’s Done Right
To be clear, effort for effort’s sake isn’t enough.
For effort to be valuable, it must be:
✔ Strategic: Aligned with meaningful goals
✔ Adaptive: Responsive to feedback and change
✔ Growth-oriented: Focused on learning, not just tasks
✔ Reflective: Used to refine and improve future approaches
When effort meets these criteria, it deserves recognition—even if immediate results aren’t visible.
Rethinking Success: Beyond Just Results
What if we valued both the outcome and the journey it took to get there?
Performance reviews that assess what was learned, not just what was delivered
Recognition for bold attempts and valuable failures, not just perfect execution
Leaders who share their own setbacks and course corrections
Conversations that focus on progress, not just outcome metrics
This isn’t about lowering standards.
It’s about raising them—by fostering a culture of resilience, innovation, and long-term success.
Today, Please Reflect:
💡 Where have you dismissed your own valuable efforts because they didn’t yield immediate results?
💡 What growth opportunities might you be missing by focusing only on outcomes?
💡 How might recognizing the journey—both yours and others’—lead to greater success?
Your Next Step
Embracing this shift can change how you approach personal growth, learning, and even the way you encourage others.
The journey matters.
How will you start honoring yours?
Because in a world obsessed with highlight reels and bottom lines, there’s power in honouring the climb just as much as the summit.
Stella ✨