The year of more with less
We'll need to do more with less. But it doesn't mean what most think. What now?
As we enter New Year 2023, I'd like to reflect on the current state of the tech industry. Everywhere I look, I see progress. I see people working in better ways, and teams building fantastic products. Yet we're experiencing a downturn in the economy, in the market, and in investment capital.
To survive, I hear from all sides, we will need to do more with less.
I never agreed with how many often understand this saying. Sure, being frugal, doing just enough, moving fast, and pushing the pedal to the metal is energising and brings outcomes. But it doesn't make sense. The laws of physics won't allow us to achieve more (and better) with fewer resources, fewer people, and in a shorter time. It isn't possible.
Unless...
Here's the quote in full, by none other than Bucky Fuller:
“To do more and more with less and less until eventually you can do everything with nothing.”
What Bucky says isn't we should try to achieve more with fewer resources. He doesn’t say if only we try really hard success will somehow happen. What he is saying is our technological advancement will lead to better outcomes with less effort.
While working harder and increasing efficiency works in the short term, working smarter is the recipe for a long-term results.
We all need to work smarter. This will create the long-term benefit and will allow us to do more with less.
I wish that I can now give 'Ten steps to smarter work', a silver bullet that would work for everyone. I can't. ‘Working smarter’ will mean different things for each of us. It will be deeply personal.
Sure, there are these generic teruisms, like what Chat GPT gave me when I asked the question. Mind you it sounds like a badly written blogpost from a random consultancy. See below for yourself.
Set clear and specific goals: Identify what you want to achieve and create a plan of action to reach those goals.
Prioritize tasks: Focus on the most important tasks first and prioritize them based on their level of urgency and importance.
Eliminate distractions: Create an environment that is conducive to productivity by reducing distractions such as social media, emails, or unnecessary notifications.
Take breaks: Taking regular breaks can help to increase focus and productivity by allowing your mind to rest and recharge.
Delegate tasks: Learn to trust others and delegate tasks to those who are best suited to complete them.
Automate repetitive tasks: Use tools and software to automate repetitive tasks, such as scheduling emails or social media posts.
Use time management techniques: Use techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique or Time Blocking to manage your time effectively.
Learn to say no: Learn to be selective with your time and energy and say no to tasks or projects that do not align with your goals.
Use technology to your advantage: Use technology such as productivity apps, calendars, and to-do lists to stay organized and on track.
Continuously evaluate and improve: Regularly evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed to improve your workflow and productivity.
Anyway, so clearly this is way too generic to help. Each of us will need to figure this for ourselves.
Let’s do more with less. By being smart.
Happy New Year 2023!
Jiri