If you're like me, a type A, then the idea of one more call or sentence is a lure. But the reality is we reach diminishing return well before we think. This is not only an issue for type A people. It really flows through our culture (in America at least) the idea of time versus results.
I know a COO of a new non-profit start up that is instituting a 35 hour work week-mandatory. He believes efficiency fades after 35 hours. How innovative!
I wonder how many of our working hours are made up diminishing returns? I would say a minimum of 20%, and I think I'm being conservative. Especially when you line up work hours with the stated mission of many organizations.
In the end, the most important thing is to know the following:
- What's the most important thing to be accomplished.
- Figure out how to get the most important things done.
- Make sure you have the resources needed to get those things done.
- Measure success.
- Stop when you know diminishing return has set in.