The word “workaholic” is often misused to describe someone with stamina, ambition and a strong work ethic whose contribution far exceeds the norm and often includes long hours. For this honorable set, a different word needs to be coined. For the purpose of this post, I will be holding to a stricter definition of workaholic. By the word’s etymology, a workaholic may put long hours, but the motivation is off base, and the contribution is rarely above par. Workaholics are compelled by an addiction to work rather than a passion for results. In my observation workaholics far outnumber superlative contributors, but more disturbingly, their counterfeit behavior often passes for superlative contribution to the inexperienced or casual observer. Here are eight ways workaholics are actually unproductive, so you can recognize and address the problem early.
