It is probably appropriate that my 'return' to blogging is on the topic "efficiency"
At times, I feel that this is a concept that is foreign to the Indian ethos ?
Why else would we disregard this key item in all our dealings ? This is most obvious while prioritizing between time, money or effort.
While this shows up in most cases as "devalued time"... I think the issue is more endemic. One of these numerous examples was clear in a stark manner while watching a free-format discussion last week on "Transforming talent" in a tony setting.
Most ideas discussed, IMHO were transactional (eg. employee satisfaction level, bridging demand-supply) rather than TRANSFORMATIONAL.
When I asked a specific question (leading, if I may add) as to the panels opinion on employee productivity or the lack thereof, it was cleanly side-stepped. The panels' opinion was that Indians were all very "hardworking" and were unable to get to "smart working" due to infrastructure problems. Example cited - it takes 2 hours to travel into work and 2 hours to travel back and hence they are inefficient ?
Is the real issue that we are not using our time "effectively" the main issue with efficiency ?
Are we admitting grudgingly that we do not KNOW how to effectively use our travel time ?
I think this concept has not had enough exposure across our educational system for individuals to appreciate the nuances. We mistake "prioritization" for "efficiency" all the while discussing these at coffee breaks or desk-side chats.
Efficiency begins with a razor sharp focus on outcome. This translates to the focus all through the task / activity so that TIME gets to be the clear UOM. Unfortunately, we all seem to be very busy and yet cannot clear our schedules.
Reminds me of saying.. If you really want something done - give it to the busy person !
At times, I feel that this is a concept that is foreign to the Indian ethos ?
Why else would we disregard this key item in all our dealings ? This is most obvious while prioritizing between time, money or effort.
While this shows up in most cases as "devalued time"... I think the issue is more endemic. One of these numerous examples was clear in a stark manner while watching a free-format discussion last week on "Transforming talent" in a tony setting.
Most ideas discussed, IMHO were transactional (eg. employee satisfaction level, bridging demand-supply) rather than TRANSFORMATIONAL.
When I asked a specific question (leading, if I may add) as to the panels opinion on employee productivity or the lack thereof, it was cleanly side-stepped. The panels' opinion was that Indians were all very "hardworking" and were unable to get to "smart working" due to infrastructure problems. Example cited - it takes 2 hours to travel into work and 2 hours to travel back and hence they are inefficient ?
Is the real issue that we are not using our time "effectively" the main issue with efficiency ?
Are we admitting grudgingly that we do not KNOW how to effectively use our travel time ?
I think this concept has not had enough exposure across our educational system for individuals to appreciate the nuances. We mistake "prioritization" for "efficiency" all the while discussing these at coffee breaks or desk-side chats.
Efficiency begins with a razor sharp focus on outcome. This translates to the focus all through the task / activity so that TIME gets to be the clear UOM. Unfortunately, we all seem to be very busy and yet cannot clear our schedules.
Reminds me of saying.. If you really want something done - give it to the busy person !
