Note from Coach Mario-At the End of the Day- “The Art of Subtraction”

While one often gets caught up in seemingly adding more activities to ones already overflowing plate, it is even more important that you actively subtract from your plate activities, projects, steps in a process etc., commonly referred to as “things,” that are not adding value.  The art of subtraction allows one the opportunity to do more with less because we focus on those “things” that are not important now, although they most likely were at one time.  To do this, it takes a “wait a minute, why are we doing it this way” mindset and more importantly, it takes the discipline to stop and ask why are we doing it this way or why are we doing it at all.

You are most likely engaged in daily activities that are part of your organization’s plan.  Things that are not supportive of these are candidates for subtraction and should be reviewed to see if they still need to be done or done the same way.  One may need to put their “pride of authorship” aside if a candidate for subtraction is one you may have “developed.”  This should not be taken personal as I am sure at one time it was important to be done or to be done that way.  One should always address a candidate for subtraction with respect for others.

Effective leaders and organizations are as skilled in subtracting, doing away with things that do not add value, as they are in doing things that add value.  Make sure you are actively practicing the “art of subtraction” effectively in your actions and within your organizations.

                                                                                                                                             –Mario Flores

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