Doing More with Less

We talk about designing and implementing the big picture; we talk about lofty goals; we talk about really changing the way people perform at work, but then comes the reality check. Whether it’s the budget, people resources, time or the million other things that get in the way, we never seem to be able to get to where we want to be, but much of the time we seem to get where we need to be at that particular time.

We are driven by all the immediate needs and plans, which in a way makes us or at least our organizations a bit short sighted. We are here now because we are asked to do more with less, however, at some point the less becomes a point of diminishing returns. At some point, we hit bottom where we can’t do anything else with existing resources. We are stuck at that point and maintain that status quo but can’t grow the way we would like. Of course, we move pieces around and make things look different, but the end result is that the same as it is now. At some point, we need to begin to build up resources again or make some other change.

So how do we start building up resources? How do we start asking for more after offering less for so long?

The answer is by doing the following:

1)    Re-evaluate what’s really important to your clients in terms of programs and services.

2)    Choose the top 3-5 (or whatever that number is that you can handle well) services and programs and figure out how to do those even better.

And that is how to do more with less. Pick a couple of things, re-work them, and do them really really well.

What do you think?