TIME

I think the way most American's view time is skewed.  It's almost like we try to cram as many things as possible into a specified time frame with little regard for reward and personal satisfaction.  Where is the good in that?  I mean, other than getting to do more things--which isn't always a positive.

If success was measured differently, say on the fact that a job was done well and in a timely manner rather than by the sheer amount of tasks completed, I think plenty would still get done and personal satisfaction would be higher.  Which would make people go above and beyond, which increases quality and quantity, which provides a high sense of satisfaction, which...well, you get the idea.  It is all related and circular.

Just for grins, I'll use one of my typical Saturdays for an example.  Each Saturday I have a list of chores/errands that need to get done.  All combined, the total amount of time to complete the list is about 5ish hours.  Since I know that once the list is done I can relax and have fun, I tend to tackle the chores in a fairly aggressive and efficient manner.  Quality isn't ever an issue because if I don't do them correctly the first time, I'll have to spend more time fixing the mistakes which means less time having fun. 

Now lets change it up a little bit.  If I completed the list of chores and then, rather than having the option to relax, I was given another list of chores, what incentive do I have in completing the first list in a timely manner.  If I were to complete it in 5 hours that doesn't mean I can have fun any sooner than if I completed the original list in 9 hours. 

I feel the same argument can be made about business.  Rather than rewarding an employee with more work for being efficient, why not reward them with time off or time to work on personal growth projects?  Again, quality would not suffer because if it wasn't done correctly the first time, more time would be required to fix the wrong.  I have a feeling this would also strengthen and streamline procedures and practices.  Which would strengthen the business as a whole.    Happier employees and an efficient company.  Seems like a win-win to me.