The Effort to Outcome Ratio

There are two ways to view projects – the amount of effort or the desired outcome.

The reality is that the two are linked. When you're planning, optimize for the greatest result to effort invested. You don't want diminishing returns on your time for any particular project and need to ensure the result warrants the effort.

To strike the right balance, start with the result you're hoping to achieve. If you're not sure how the work is done, don't pre-determine how the deliverable. Lean on your producers to lay out the options. They know where they can get creative or maximize impact. Then let them execute.