REAL Check Tool

Transform Busywork into Meaningful Action

The REAL Check technique helps you identify and eliminate performative work that creates the illusion of progress. Focus your energy on activities that deliver genuine value.

Time spent on performative work
43%
In average organizations
Annual productivity cost
$47,000
Per knowledge worker
Focus improvement with REAL Check
68%
More time on meaningful work
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REAL Check Builder

0/100
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Results
ⓘ Does this activity have specific, measurable outcomes that you can point to?
1 - Vague 3 - Somewhat 5 - Crystal Clear
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Essentials
ⓘ Is this activity actually necessary for achieving your core objectives?
1 - Unnecessary 3 - Somewhat 5 - Critical
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Action
ⓘ Does this activity drive concrete next steps and decisions?
1 - No Actions 3 - Some Actions 5 - Clear Actions
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Lean
ⓘ Is this the most efficient approach to achieve the intended outcome?
1 - Wasteful 3 - Average 5 - Highly Efficient
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Productivity Impact Calculator

Annual Cost of This Activity
$39,000
$750 per week
REAL Check Score
12/20
Potential Paper Tiger

Cost Breakdown

Weekly Time Investment
2 hours
Team Members Involved
5 people
Weekly Team Cost
$750
Annual Cost
$39,000
Opportunity Cost
520 hours/year

Current vs. Optimized Productivity

$39,000
Current
Activity Cost
$19,500
Optimized
Approach

Export Options

What Makes REAL Check Different?

The REAL Check technique transforms your approach to work by focusing on four critical elements that separate meaningful action from performative busywork:

Performative Work
  • Activities with vague outcomes
  • Work that doesn't drive core objectives
  • Meetings that end without decisions
  • Inefficient processes maintained by habit
  • Reports created "just to be thorough"
REAL Work
  • Clear, measurable results
  • Essential for achieving objectives
  • Drives concrete action and decisions
  • Efficient use of time and resources
  • Creates genuine value and progress