Have you ever thought about the difference between
efficiency and effectiveness?
They both sound good, but we believe one is far
better. Most businesses want to run an efficient operation, and spend a lot of
time and energy trying to get there. But it is equally, if not more, important
to make your business effective.
Efficiency means doing things with a minimum of effort – low
input for high output. In other words, efficiency means doing things right. But
what things? A very important question! You see, effectiveness is doing the
right things right, and that is what you want to aim for. You can be as
efficient as you like at doing the wrong things.
You can practice the wrong technique or the wrong moves
until you have them down perfectly. Then, you are going to wonder and worry
about why your business is failing, why your customers aren’t coming back, why
sales are down and profits are dropping, even though everything is working like
a well-oiled machine.
When you visualise
yourself or your business, don’t just see yourself doing things right. See
yourself doing the right things right. And remember that sometimes the
right thing, even if done imperfectly, is far better than a flawless
performance of the wrong thing. This holds true for everyone, not just those of
you in business. It makes just as much sense for athletes, homemakers, teachers
and students – anyone who really cares about excellence.
It’s great to be efficient, but effectiveness is what you
really want.
