Does Efficiency Mean Grief or Relief?

If someone were to tell you that you need to, "be more efficient," what comes up? My reaction is that I need to work quicker and take less breaks. But will us working "harder" yield the results we seek?

The language that we use is important. Words have power, and "efficiency" is one that triggers a variety of reactions for business owners. Sometimes it has a positive connotation and sometimes negative, depending on the relationship we have with it. As a consultant that promotes efficiency in small business, it's important for me to address the negative aspects of the concept and shed light on what efficiency is at its best and its worst.

Too often, when we think of "getting stuff done," we think of the ominous list of things we haven't done and our ability to get through it. Depending on how we frame it, a task list can turn into a list of validation of what we are not doing, a bummer list, especially if we're pushing ourselves too hard. We feel like we can never get ahead of the curve. Then add an unhelpful idea of "efficiency" as "getting stuff done quickly," and we add more bummer to the situation because not only do we have stuff we're not doing, but we're also not doing it quickly enough.

Unfortunately, managers extend that frantic "get things done" energy to their employees as well. Micromanaging and sending subtle and not-so-subtle hints to employees to do more in less time can quickly lead employees down that path that we are on - that of overwork and stress. While it's important to inform employees of the urgency of certain tasks, too much pushing leads to burn out for them, which, ultimately, is not efficient. A study showed that of employees who feel micromanaged, 55% feel less productive because of it. 65% also claim it hurts their morale.


Are we going to be the cattle driver manager or the empathetic coach, to both ourselves and to our employees? Due to the negative consequences of pushing ourselves and others too hard, I believe efficiency is not the outcome of simply pushing harder. It may improve our performance metrics in the short term, but there is bound to be fall-out in the form of employee retention and lack of focus, and who wants to be stressed anyway?

Efficiency should reduce stress, not increase it. Real efficiency makes our lives and our employees' lives easier while also making the business more productive. It entails:

1. Sustained productivity (a result of happy and satisfied employees)

2. Supportive Systems - Well-crafted procedures, intuitive training manuals, well-defined communication channels, accessible data and automation are all examples of systems supporting our business. Supportive systems mean being able to quickly retrieve data so that you are clear and confident on the actions that need to be taken next.

3. Increased Profit - Increased profit is a result of the positive changes made to a business. 

"Driving efficiency" is not about increasing profit and productivity by working harder and faster. Instead, efficient work is easier and more effective.

Efficiency should reduce stress, not increase it.

We need to remember to see ourselves and others as humans rather than machines. We need breaks, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment. Efficiency and productivity take being tuned into ourselves and our bodies and what we need in the moment, whether that be a walk, a conversation with an inspirational coworker, or outlining our tasks for clarity. Management should invest in business infrastructure that makes work easier as well as support their team in doing what they need to do to take care of themselves.

Some overlooked activities that can make you and your employees more productive:

1. Not overfilling calendars.

2. Celebrating tasks that are achieved.

3. Prioritizing high impact projects.

What does efficiency mean to you? What value does it bring to you? I'd love to chat if you're looking to make your business more productive with less stress.

At your Service,

Marissa Mosunich
Operate Well Consulting
www.operatewell.com
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I chose the name "Operate Well" for my consulting firm with the positive connotation of efficiency in mind. To me, a business that operates well is harmonious and effective. One of the most important byproducts of operating well is a sense of fulfillment for the owner and employees. 


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