TI CEO Podcast · episode 73
Why good results begin with the right task definition
1-minute summary
Christoph Standl talks in this episode about why some tasks and projects take much longer than planned, even though the team works intensively all day. He explains that the root cause often lies in how tasks are defined from the start: if it is not clear what constitutes a good result and when a task is considered finished, one could work on it endlessly. He distinguishes between two types of tasks: those with a clearly definable outcome, requiring precise requirements and completion criteria, and development processes, such as in software development, where one must proceed iteratively, step by step, to find the best solution. Standl emphasizes that both approaches are valid, but suited to different kinds of tasks. At Tourismus Interaktiv, he wants to apply this distinction more consistently going forward to save time and actually complete more tasks. His conclusion: a good result often begins with a well-defined task, and if the final outcome is still unknown, at least the next step must be clear.
Description
Why do some projects actually take much longer than planned, even though you work all day and make incredible progress?
At Tourismus Interaktiv, we currently have numerous projects running simultaneously – both internal and external. In the process, I am becoming increasingly aware that one key lever for greater productivity lies right at the very beginning: in the correct structuring of our tasks.
In this episode of my CEO Diary, I talk about two different types of tasks. On the one hand, there are tasks where we can already clearly define in advance what result is expected, which requirements must be met, and when a task is actually complete.
On the other hand, there are innovative projects where we don't yet know the final result at the start. Here we need an iterative approach: take a first step, review the result, learn from it, and define the next step.
Both approaches have their justification. What matters is that we recognize already at the task definition stage which path is the right one.
Especially under a high workload, better structuring can help avoid unnecessary rework, complete projects more consistently, and use our available time more wisely.
My thought of the day: A good result often begins with a good task definition. And if the result is not yet known, then at least the next step must be clear.
🎙️ CEO Diary #73 📅 November 11, 2026 💡 Topics: task management, project structuring, iterative development, productivity and entrepreneurship