I remember an excellent saying by
" The effective, vitalizing work of the World is done between the ages of twenty-fice and forty
By William Osler ( a great Physician)
The two terms " Efficiency" and "Effectiveness" have to be understood correctly. It is very important to distinguish between the two parameters. Efficiency is about finding the best ways of doing an assigned job. It is the methodology. Then what is effectiveness ? if we analyze the word , " Effective", you will find a word within the word namely " effect". Effect means result. When we say we are effective, what we mean is that we produce result. We could have carried out some activity result may not have got place. Any effort made without result is a waste of time. We are not effective.
Our Strategy should be to produce more effect or outcome with least investment of effort and resources. This is " Smart" working. If we are producing more outcome with more effort, we are working hard.
Let me give an example: Suppose we have currencies of various denominations on our table amounting to Rs 100. Imagine that a whirlwind blows them all over your room. What would be our strategy for picking them up?
If we are efficient, we will pick up the currency closest to us and work towards the other. IF we are effective, we will pick up the highest denomination currency first and then others.
Are we efficient or effective ? In fact, we should be effective and efficient and combine both tactfully
Effectivess is more a goal setting and Efficiency is more a process of attaining the goal
