EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY
Effectiveness (For Superiors/Decision-Makers):
Effectiveness is about making the right decisions, even if it takes time and resources. Think of a general
planning a battle strategy. Their primary goal is to win (be effective). They have to consider many
options: attack from the left, flank from the right, lay siege, negotiate, etc.
Why it's for Superiors: Superiors are responsible for making these crucial choices. They have a
broader view and are accountable for the overall outcome.
Generating Options: A superior's effectiveness depends on their ability to generate a wide range
of potential solutions. The more options considered, the higher the chance of finding the best
one.
Identifying the Best Option: Once the options are on the table, the superior must analyze each
one, weighing the pros and cons, to choose the most promising path. This is the core of effective
decision-making.
Example 1 (Effective, but not Efficient): The general spends weeks gathering intelligence, consulting
experts, and simulating different battle plans. They finally devise a brilliant strategy that guarantees
victory. However, the lengthy planning process means their army has used up a lot of supplies and time.
Example 2 (Effective and Efficient): The general, after a reasonable amount of planning, identifies a
strong strategy and implements it swiftly. They win the battle with minimal losses and within a short
timeframe.
Example 3 (Not Effective): The general makes a quick decision without considering all the options. The
battle is lost due to a critical oversight, even though the chosen strategy was implemented quickly.
Efficiency (For Subordinates/Implementers):
Efficiency is about carrying out instructions and tasks in the best way possible, minimizing wasted time,
effort, and resources. Think of the soldiers following the general's orders. Their job is to execute the
chosen strategy efficiently. They don't decide what to do, but they decide how to do it best.
Why it's for Subordinates: Subordinates are responsible for implementing the decisions made by
their superiors. They focus on the how rather than the what.
Following Instructions: Efficiency relies on clear instructions from the superior. The subordinate
needs to understand the task and the desired outcome.
Resource Optimization: An efficient subordinate uses the available resources (time, materials,
tools) wisely to complete the task. They avoid unnecessary steps and find the most streamlined
way to work.
Example 1 (Efficient): The soldiers receive clear orders and execute them quickly and precisely, using the
least amount of ammunition and time.
Example 2 (Not Efficient): The soldiers receive unclear orders and waste time trying to figure out what to
do. They use up too much ammunition and take longer than necessary to complete the task.
Example 3 (Efficient - but the wrong thing): The soldiers execute the orders quickly and perfectly.
However, the orders were based on a flawed strategy (ineffective decision by the superior), so the
efficient execution leads to a negative outcome.
In short:
Effectiveness (Superior): Making the right decisions (generating options, choosing the best one).
Efficiency (Subordinate): Doing things the right way (minimizing waste while executing
instructions).
