Efficiency vs. Productivity

One concept I’ve enjoyed thinking about lately is the idea of efficiency versus productivity, after a friend made the argument, after listening to a freakonomics podcast, that the two are related but not necessarily the same.

It’s been a challenging thing to think about because, as is probably obvious, efficiency is very important to me (apparently it’s a hallmark of being a “3” enneagram type—more about that later if anyone is interested). I live nearly every minute conscious of how to multi-task and prioritize such that tasks get completed using as little time and energy as possible. I was the kind of resident that had new orders in before we even finished rounding, that dictated clinic notes super quickly while the patient was still in the room so I didn’t have to stay late at the end of the day to finish. Inefficient meetings annoy me so much I try to avoid them; sometimes I find myself irritated if someone is sharing inconcisely.

But I do think that efficiency and productivity are two different things. Efficiency is simply a statement of how quickly something gets done: completing a task with as little waste of resources as possible. Productivity, though, includes something more: I would define it as reaching a goal by using resources as effectively as possible. Efficiency only looks at a task: productivity looks at the goal.

Efficiency almost always includes productivity: if you do things faster, you’ll have more time and energy to get more done. But productivity does not always include efficiency, and in fact they may be at odds with each other: some goals require being inefficient. If you want optimal small group dynamics, you have to allow for inefficient times of hanging out or icebreakers. If you want your child to share deeply, you likely have to allow for inefficient periods of doing other things before coming upon the right moment to talk. If you want to bond deeply with a friend, you may need to linger without time limits, or allow for messier or needier relationships.

The point is, when the goal is simply to get a task done, efficiency is good. But when the goal is about more than a task—and I suppose much of life is, actually—then efficiency may be harmful. I don’t particularly resonate with the word “productivity,” but I think the word “meaningful” works—this may not be efficient, but is it meaningful? Is it working towards achieving an important goal or outcome? If it is, then it is more important than being efficient.

Because in the end, while being outstandingly efficient is a sort of talent, it is a mindless one. To move with purpose, to use limited and available resources in the most strategic and meaningful way possible: that is more difficult, but more important.