“I like rice. Rice is great if you’re hungry and want 2000 of something.”
– Mitch Hedberg (1968 – 2005), iconic American stand-up comic
“If only I had more responsibility,” says the young executive.
“If only I had more people like Sue,” said the manager.
“If we offer this price, we’ll garner more market share,” says the sales leader.
“I’m going to need you all to work more hours until this product is out the door,” says the developer manager.
But what if the responsibility comes at the expense of balance? What if the “cloning” of Sue reduces the diversity of ideas within the team? What if the reduced price gives long-term customers incentive to explore the market? And what if the midnight oil adversely affects quality, morale or both?
It seems like too often, we’re hungry for 2000 of something until the plate is set before us. Then we often realize that more does not always equal better.
One exception: When we suspend unproductive activities (for example, meetings that don’t decide, change or advance anything) and replace that time with more time to think we set ourselves up to make a difference.
No, more does not always equal better. But more time with a clear mind, focused on important things might.
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