The 120-Hour Week Myth: Why Elon Musk’s Model Misses the Mark on Real Success

So, Elon Musk’s at it again, right? Talking about his team at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) pulling 120-hour weeks. And, of course, comparing that to those “bureaucratic opponents” who, in his words, are just chilling with their 40-hour weeks.

It got me thinking, though: is that really the recipe for progress?

As someone who’s spent years helping leaders build successful teams, I can tell you straight up: it’s not.

That whole “more hours equals more success” thing? It’s just plain wrong.

Let’s talk about why.

Why Overworking Just Doesn’t Work

See, this idea that you can just grind yourself into the ground and magically get better results? It’s old-school. And here’s the kicker: it actually backfires.

– Your Brain Gets Mushy: You know that feeling when you’re so tired you can’t think straight? That’s what happens when you overwork. Your focus goes out the window, your decision-making gets wonky and forget about being creative.

– Burnout is Real: People aren’t machines. If you push them too hard, they’re going to break. Stress, anxiety, that “I don’t care anymore” feeling – that’s burnout.

– Mistakes Happen: Tired people make mistakes. And in business, mistakes can be costly. Delays, bad decisions, you name it.

– People Check Out: If you’re always at work, you have no life. And when that happens, people get resentful. They disengage, and they leave.

The truth is a team that’s rested and energized is way more productive. They’re more creative, they’re more agile, and they’re ready to tackle anything.

What Smart Leaders Do Instead

Instead of pushing people to the breaking point, here’s how good leaders focus on building a sustainable team:

– It’s not about how long you work; it’s about what you get done. Encourage your team to focus on what matters.
– Your brain needs downtime. Even short breaks can make a huge difference in focus and creativity.
– If you’re always working, your team will think they have to be too. Show them that it’s okay to have a life outside of work.
– When people feel trusted, they’re more motivated. Let them manage their own workload.

It’s not about pushing people; it’s about supporting them. Create a workplace where people feel valued.

Real Success is About Balance

Elon Musk might be a genius, but he’s wrong about this one. Real success comes from building a team that’s focused, engaged, and well-rested.

It’s about working smarter, not longer.

If you’re a leader and you want to build a team that thrives, I can help. Let’s work together to create a workplace where people can do their best work and still have a life. Because at the end of the day, that’s what really matters.

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