“Every human has a fixed amount of physical and psychic energy. That energy can be used well or wasted.”

Practice Implications

1. Wise employers understand that working smarter accomplishes superior results with less effort. They measure personnel performance by results achieved versus energy expended.

2. Work settings that emphasize working smart have high levels of trust and mutual respect. They energize rather than deplete their personnel who have energy remaining at day’s end to engage in activities that renew them.

3. A relaxed, results-oriented work setting promotes stronger immune systems that protect personnel from infection and other illnesses.

4. An atmosphere of fear and distrust depletes vital capacity, creating stress-induced illnesses (cardiovascular, depression, insomnia, and other disorders). Illnesses result in absenteeism, reduced output, and higher health care costs.

5. An efficient, effective work environment invites personnel to recommend smarter ways of producing superior goods and services. This yields greater efficiency, higher quality, higher productivity, and improved customer satisfaction.

Consulting the specialized knowledge and skills of personnel leads to more informed decisions. It creates better output with less effort. It’s good business practice.