The Double Win
Subtract for Success: The Art of Doing More with Less | Leidy Klotz
Jun 1, 2023
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.
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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