Becoming More Effective

Productivity measures what it takes to get a job done. We can improve productivity by doing more with fewer resources or less effort.

Efficiency measures how quickly and accurately we accomplish something. We can be come more efficient by working faster while maintaining or improving quality.

Effectiveness is the result of productivity and efficiency. We are effective when we do the right tasks and reach our goals.

Improving effectiveness is everyone’s responsibility. It is said that one minute of planning saves five minutes of execution. That’s a 500% return on your effort. Small gains in productivity can produce big results. This is illustrated by the Japanese concept of kaizen.

What are the benefits of becoming more effective?
Why is it important for you to become more effective?
What obstacles prevent you from becoming more effective?

See the entry for "Kaizen" to set an improvement goal.