---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This is the great irony: defining…"
description: "\"“This is the great irony: defining productivity mainly in terms of immediate measurable results undermines the measurable results in the long run.”\" — ..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d4/zondervan-publishing-7069_long-run_this-is-the-great-irony-defining-product_3168008.jpg"
---

#  This is the great irony: defining productivity mainly in…

![“This is the great irony: defining productivity mainly in terms of immediate measurable results undermines the measurable results in the long run.” quote by Zondervan Publishing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d4/zondervan-publishing-7069_long-run_this-is-the-great-irony-defining-product_3168008.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d4/zondervan-publishing-7069_long-run_this-is-the-great-irony-defining-product_3168008.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d4/zondervan-publishing-7069_long-run_this-is-the-great-irony-defining-product_3168008.jpg)

> ““This is the great irony: defining productivity mainly in terms of immediate measurable results undermines the measurable results in the long run.””

[Zondervan Publishing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/zondervan-publishing/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote warns that focusing only on short‑term measurable outcomes can damage long‑term productivity.

**In simple terms:** Short‑term focus harms long‑term productivity.

Key Takeaway

Balance immediate results with future impact.

Themes

productivity measurement long‑term thinking

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

advisory analytical

When to use this quote

- business strategy
- personal goal setting
- project management

Key Concepts

systems thinking trade‑offs sustainability

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you measure success beyond immediate results?
- What long‑term effects might you be overlooking?

A Different Perspective

Short‑term metrics may ignore hidden costs.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Productivity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/productivity/)

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