I think there is a deeper underlying problem why they are focusing on stuff that doesn't matter -- to avoid doing stuff that matters.
Usually the reason is because it is hard or tedious.
I have seen others do it and I've done it myself. Someone doesn't know how code so instead they become very vocal and go to all meetings or tell everyone documentation updating or benchmarking is what is crucial and they'll focus on that.
There is of course nothing wrong with all the other tasks, but I think it is worth looking at why all of the sudden these new priorities are being pushed. Deep down everyone wants to seem important look busy, so people will always find busy work. Sometimes they find something is useful, but often it is just random stuff, just not appear idle. "How are you doing Steve, how is new database backend coming along? - Well I decided we should re-prioritize our customer accounts, and then I worked on updating all the documentation, and a meeting is coming along we should present there..."
The point is employees engage in this avoidance busy works but CxOs, managers and owners do this as well. In their case it is even more damaging because they pull in the whole company after them.
"Stop everyone, I found a cool new JS frameworks it is super reactive, we should rewrite our front end in it".
Usually the reason is because it is hard or tedious.
I have seen others do it and I've done it myself. Someone doesn't know how code so instead they become very vocal and go to all meetings or tell everyone documentation updating or benchmarking is what is crucial and they'll focus on that.
There is of course nothing wrong with all the other tasks, but I think it is worth looking at why all of the sudden these new priorities are being pushed. Deep down everyone wants to seem important look busy, so people will always find busy work. Sometimes they find something is useful, but often it is just random stuff, just not appear idle. "How are you doing Steve, how is new database backend coming along? - Well I decided we should re-prioritize our customer accounts, and then I worked on updating all the documentation, and a meeting is coming along we should present there..."
The point is employees engage in this avoidance busy works but CxOs, managers and owners do this as well. In their case it is even more damaging because they pull in the whole company after them.
"Stop everyone, I found a cool new JS frameworks it is super reactive, we should rewrite our front end in it".