Efficiency

Modern life is hectic. We are expected to do so much in so little time. Perhaps that is the reason why we value productivity and efficiency so highly in our society. 

The dangers of working mindlessly is greater in our time than before because it is a side effect of the division of labour, a system of workng that every modern economy has adopted. Without the ability to understand the overall process of production, workers experience a loss of meaning and do not feel the significance of their work. Boredom and mistakes easily set in. In order for a person to practise creativity and wisdom in their work, it is necessary for the worker to first gain a broad understanding of the complete process. 

The second dimension of efficiency is the ability to uncover alternatives. Thinking might seem deceptively like rest, but the mental energy spent thinking will result in efforts saved. A saying by Leonardo Da Vinci illustrates this well,"Men of lofty genius when they are doing the least work are most active." Another famous personality who believes in this is Victor Hugo. He supports this when he says,"A man is not idle because he is absorbed in thought. There is a visible labour and there is an invisible labour." 

Since increasing efficiency through creativity can be achieved by looking for alternatives, one good way to gather ideas is through observation. Studying a competitor or a team-mate at work can generate ideas that are both direct and practical. The ability to see other ways of working will enable us to be a better judge of the efficiency of our own methods. 

An effective person will not only consider the best method of accomplishing their task at the outset. Such a person will constantly be on the lookout for refinements to the process. Nothing can aid understanding of the job's demands like actually doing it. It is n o surprise that the creative and thinking worker finds involvement in the working process eye-opening. 

Last but not least, efficiency is not something detached from daily living to be placed on a lofty pedestal and applauded. Jean Paul Richter exhorts us to "not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; but to try to use ordinary situations." We will soon attain extraordinary efficiency if we possess the dual skill of creative reasoning and the ability to apply it in our daily lives.