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About this quote

What does it mean?
Efficiency often requires making tough decisions or cutting corners that others may find unpleasant.
In plain terms
Being efficient can make you seem rude.
What can you take from it?
Expect friction when prioritizing speed.

Where it applies

  • project management
  • process optimization
  • team leadership

Putting it to work

  • set clear expectations
  • communicate rationale
  • balance speed and tone

Questions to consider

  • How do you balance speed and courtesy?
  • Is efficiency always worth the social cost?

Another view

Some efficient practices can be implemented without being obnoxious.

More from Kin Hubbard

  1. It's no disgrace to be poor, but it might as well be.

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  2. It's the good loser who finally loses out.

    Permalink to quote #27
  3. It's going to be fun to watch and see how long the meek can keep the earth after they inherit it.

    Permalink to quote #24

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