Leading through subtraction
The instinct to add more projects, staff, and initiatives can seem like the path to progress. Leaders often believe that more means better, piling on new software, meetings, and management techniques in an effort to stay ahead. However, this approach can lead to overwhelmed teams, diluted resources, and overall inefficiency.
As Stanford management professor Robert Sutton highlights, undisciplined additions create a complex environment that drains energy and hampers productivity. The solution lies in a counterintuitive strategy: leading by subtraction. Instead of asking what more can be done, leaders should ask what can be removed to streamline operations and enhance focus.
Removing unnecessary tasks, redundant processes, and excessive bureaucracy frees up valuable time and resources. This approach not only reduces burnout but also sharpens the organization’s core functions, leading to higher quality work. It's essential to recognize that sometimes less truly is more, and by subtracting the non-essential, leaders can create a more effective and resilient organization.