The Evolution of Inefficiency

From a business’s infancy, processes are set into place to make it run more effectively. As the business grows and develops, these processes are often followed dutifully for many years, regardless of whether they continue to make sense or not. Why? Because people are used to it, familiar with the old ways, and it’s difficult to see the processes objectively.As a result, I’ve often seen my clients in situations where their procedures don’t make much efficient sense anymore. There are many new time saving systems and techniques that could be implemented, if only they would think of them. When asked why they haven’t changed their old systems, most say that “it’s always been done this way” or something similar. But think about it – we change and times change. If we’d be wearing clothing that was fashionable in the 1980s and communicating with clients via landlines and mail, we’d be considered very behind the times, and we’d definitely be behind our competitors. Now take that analogy back to business processes – if you’re still doing things in the same way that you were doing them 10 years ago, there’s a very strong chance that you’re limiting your ability to succeed and be the best in your industry.

Identifying the problems
Once my clients realize that, it’s a short jump to being a little more introspective – does it really make sense to work the way we do? Can we be more efficient and productive and work in ways that are more automated and make more sense? Is some of what we do now unnecessary and obsolete and just a waste of time and money?

As you go about your work day, ask yourself why you’re doing each thing that you’re doing. Does it still make sense? Might there be a better way to do it? Maybe the system in its entirety needs a closer look –you’re just one player in your business, but how does the whole system work? What changes can you make to make your business more automated, systematized and efficient?

I generally have a rule – if you can think of the solution, you’ll be able to create it. You may not be able to find an off-the-shelf solution to your problem, but that doesn’t mean that the solution isn’t there – it just means that you need to find the right resources to help you implement that solution.

Take Action
To produce positive change, you need to take action. Doing nothing will just perpetuate the evolution of inefficiency in your business. Take the steps towards introspection and analysis to bring you ahead of your competitors and make your business increase its value and prosperity. Your employees will be happier, your clients will be content, your competition will fall behind, and your value will increase exponentially.

I’m a big believer in the power of an individual to effect change. Probably 90% of the time, problems are resolved simply by calling awareness to them and addressing the issues. If you’d like some suggestions to guide you, send an email to denglander@workstreamsystems.com or click here to set up a time to talk.