Subtract for Success: The Art of Doing More with Less | Leidy Klotz
Jun 1, 2023
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Leidy Klotz, a Professor at the University of Virginia and author of "Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less," challenges the common belief that more is always better. He discusses how cognitive biases lead us to favor addition over subtraction in decision-making. Leidy introduces powerful tactics like 'meeting doomsday' to streamline operations and reduce unnecessary meetings. He illustrates how subtraction can enhance design and differentiation in business, proving that doing less can often lead to greater efficiency and innovation.
Subtraction can often yield more effective outcomes for small businesses by eliminating redundant tasks like unnecessary meetings.
The ingrained 'addition bias' in our psychology can hinder innovation, highlighting the need to reassess our default approach to processes.
Deep dives
The Power of Subtraction in Business
Many small business owners struggle with the overwhelming amount of tasks and responsibilities they face, often feeling compelled to add more to their workload. However, the concept of subtraction presents a valuable alternative, suggesting that doing less can actually lead to more effective outcomes. Embracing subtraction encourages business owners to rethink their processes by removing unnecessary meetings or redundant tasks, thereby freeing up precious time for more strategic activities. For example, by implementing a technique called 'meeting doomsday', businesses can evaluate which meetings are truly essential, potentially saving countless hours each month.
Challenging the Addition Default
The tendency to default to adding rather than subtracting is ingrained in both our biology and psychology, stemming from historical survival instincts and a desire to demonstrate competence. This mindset can hinder innovation and efficiency, as it often leads business owners to overlook the benefits of innovation through subtraction. By consciously practicing subtraction and questioning default assumptions, entrepreneurs can unlock new perspectives on their operations. For instance, asking about what can be removed or reduced—not just what can be added—can lead to breakthroughs in efficiency and effectiveness.
Systematic Thinking for Effective Subtraction
Addressing the nature of systems within a business is essential when considering subtraction as a strategy. To maximize the impact of removing elements from a business operation, owners must understand how different components interact within the larger system. Initiating a systematic approach, such as reviewing meeting structures or analyzing workflow processes, can reveal opportunities for improvement. By applying methods like the 'rule of halves' to meetings, business owners can significantly reduce time spent in unnecessary discussions, leading to greater overall productivity and streamlined operations.
We live in a society of "more is better". The argument goes that a big business is obviously better than a small one. But, is that actually true? What if you could actually achieve more with less?
On this episode, Joel Miller speaks with Leidy Klotz about his book, Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less. Leidy shares the subtle yet powerful biological and psychological reasons behind our 'addition bias' and how we can recalibrate our mindsets to view subtraction as an equally valid – and often better – choice. The conversation culminates in Leidy's description of the 'meeting doomsday' tactic - a powerful strategy that could free up hours on your calendar every week.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How subtraction can often be more beneficial than addition, especially in small business environments.
The need to shift from the common assumption that more is always better, and how to build processes that incorporate subtraction as a strategic choice.
The biological and psychological influences driving our "addition bias"
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